There was a fire that burned down the wood shed at Gita nagari on the day of the Festival of Jagannatha Misra. By Sri Sri Radha Damodara's Mercy no one was harmed. This building housed the wood stove that heated the Temple and ashram. We are fortunate that the weather is warming up, yet heat is definitely still needed for the Deities and Devotees. The temperatures fall into the 20's and 30's during the night and mornings. We will be having the boiler unit near the kitchen inspected with maintenance provided prior to using it as the back up temporary source of heat. (Click here for the full article)



Association in the NW US
by Balabhadra dasa & Lalita Nandini devi dasi
Posted May 8, 2008

My wife and I are looking to relocate and settle down some where in the NW US; preferrably Washington or Oregon, or even Northern California. We work as caregivers providing hospice services. In addition, my wife and I are professionally certified aromatherapists. We are wanting to live near a small community of devotees where they gather on some weekly basis, and other Vaishvava celebrations. We are not interested in any controversial situations, such as ritvik issues, or loyalties to some other camp. We are very much committed to Srila Prabupada and the movement that he gave us.

If you can help us with any information to this end please contact us at balanlalita@clearwire.net.



Festival of India Accommodation
by Amala Gaura dasa
Posted May 5, 2008

I have shared accomodation available during FOI at a camper. According to the volunteers there this a small camper, not a trailer. It doesn't have water hook up, but you'll be near a restroom were you can shower. You need to bring own bedding.

So the camper holds two. I'm looking for one other male devotee to share during the festival. Price is low, contact if interested.



Springtime At Murari
by Murali Priya Devi Dasi and Rama Vigraha Das
Posted May 4, 2008

The daffodils, irises, red buds, and dogwoods are flowering all over the hills with the tender green leaves from the other trees as a fresh back drop. The peacocks are dancing and singing and the ponds are bursting with water. Don't miss the show! It's time to take a break from the city and visit Murari. Experience all this yourself.

Just like spring brings new growth, Murari is also flowering with accomplishments in this short first quarter of the year. Sri Sri Nitai Gaurachandra have been wearing seven of the twelve new outfits that have been made for them this year, three of which were offered on Gaura Purnima by Mother Nina, her friend Pranahita Reddy, and Ramacaran Das. (Click here for the full article)



Elementary Teacher in Alauchua
by Tamohara das
Posted May 4, 2008

The New Raman Reti School (NRRS), a Krishna-centered elementary school, located in the Alachua, Florida devotee community, is seeking applicants for the position of an experienced elementary school teacher. The position will begin in August 2008, and serve approximately 14 students from 4th through 6th grades.

The school has been serving the devotee community in Alachua since 1990 and is presently serving the needs of 52 students in grades pre-K - 6th, making it one of ISKCON's largest elementary schools in North America. The school is committed to both a strong Krishna Conscious program, (Click here for the full article)



Looking for a Dakshinavarti Shankh
by Deva das
Posted April 30, 2008

I am interested getting for a Dakshinavarti Shankh for the bathing ritual of my deities. It opens to the left and you can hold it with your left hand fingers inserted into the opening. According to the Vedic scriptures, the Shankha is one of the most auspicious objects that emerged from the sea during the Ksheera Sagara samudra manthan.

If you happen to have one that you are willing to give it to me free of charge, please e-mail me at Luxshan_A@hotmail.com.



In the News:
Inside ISKCON Battlefield Bhajans
by Partha Sarathi Dasa, news.iskcon.com
Posted April 27, 2008

US Military Base, Iraq, April 17, 2008 - It's my fifth year on active duty as a sergeant here in Iraq, and I'm back doing missions, which means long days. But I still rise early, worship my salagram sila deities of the Lord, and chant Hare Krishna as if I can die at any moment - which, here, is a reality. Twenty-two soldiers now come for the mangal arati service I hold in the dorms, and we hold other Krishna conscious programs too.

During one of these, the incoming alert system suddenly blasted into our ears. A second later, a rocket impacted one hundred feet from our "ashram." I directed everyone to run to the bunker, grabbing my salagram silas and mrdanga drum as I dashed after them. (Click here for the full article)



Halava the Great
by Kurma
Posted April 26, 2008

Some of the most frequent enquiries I receive concern *halava* - the buttery, warm semolina pudding served at all Hare Krishna restaurants and festivals worldwide. It is a magical, wonderful, edible version of the All-Attractive Supreme Person.

Here's the latest:

Lanee from Melbourne writes:

"Hello Kurma, could you kindly help with the recipe for: Apple & Pineapple Halava I had at Gopal's .

Also the custard they serve with it isn't the same as mine? (Custard Powder, sugar, milk). This is the best dessert ever. Cheers Lanee." (Click here for the full article)

I am doing my Honours in philosophy. I will be doing my dissertation on Kant's Third Antinomy, the problem of Free Will. I would like to present a Vedic (Krsna Conscious) perspective on the problem of Free Will. If you have any information that can help: if you are aware of academic writings by devotees on the issue, or can refer me to persons, etc, I will be most grateful. Please email me on vediclaw@hotmail.com.



Nrsimhadeva Activity Book And Posters
by Urmila devi dasi
Posted May 5, 2008

Here are dozens of activities you can do with kids from age 2-18 about Lord Nrsimhadeva and Prahlad Maharaja. Some are general, and others are grouped by age. There are posters for quick reference. You can also print out the posters and give them to kids--let them choose what activities they would like to do!

Integrated Posters (<200kB .pdf)
Holy Places Posters (<200kB .pdf)
Holy Name Posters (<200kB .pdf)
Deity Worship Posters (<200kB .pdf)
Scripture Posters (<200kB .pdf)
Sadhu Sanga Posters (<200kB .pdf)
Nrsimha Activity Book (3MB .pdf)

We hope in the future to greatly improve and expand these festival-based activities, adding boxes of ready-to-use resources such as masks, photos, activity sheets, and so forth. Suggestions are most welcome. (Click here for the full article)



Pre-School Teacher Needed in Alachua
by Tamohara das
Posted May 4, 2008

The New Raman Reti School (NRRS), a Krishna-centered elementary school, located in the Alachua, Florida devotee community, is seeking applicants for the position of an experienced pre-school teacher. As part of the NRRS Elementary School, our thriving preschool has been very successful this year and will have 24 students and a staff of three. The position will begin in August 2008. This is a full time position where the candidate will be in charge of the pre-school program.

The school has been serving the devotee community in Alachua since 1990 and is presently serving the needs of 52 students in grades pre-K - 6th, (Click here for the full article)



Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of ISKCON's GBC - Mayapur 2008
by ISKCON GOVERNING BODY COMMISSION SOCIETY
Posted April 30, 2008

MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

SRI MAYAPUR DHAM, FEBRUARY 24 MARCH 4, 2008

Section 100: APPOINTMENTS

101. GBC Officers, Members, and Candidates

RESOLVED:

1. Ramai Swami is elected GBC Chairman.

2. Romapada Swami is elected First Vice-Chairman.

3. Madhu Sevita Das is elected Second Vice-Chairman.

4. Bhakti Purusottama Swami is elected GBC Secretary. (Click here for the full article)



Follow Up Re: Russian Bhagavad Gita
by Elle Mitchell
Posted April 27, 2008

Krishna has blessed me with assistance to my original post of April 10, 2008 from Dhanistha devi dasi, Krsnananda das, Atul-Krishna das, and Donatas Sidaravicius. The devotees I sought the Bhagavad-Gita for will receive it, along with other Russian BBT texts, shortly. I have also been given addresses of Russian-language Krishna-conscious websites they can use. The response exceeded my material expectations but is well in line with my Vaishnava expectations.



Ramabhadra Prabhu (1957-2008)
by Tirtharaj Das
Posted April 26, 2008

Rambhadra Das was born in Western Australia on the 5th October 1957 to a family of country people. Raised in a rural environment he developed the easy going, happy go lucky traits that endeared him to others throughout his life.

He was one of the early devotees to settle on New Govardhana where he spent several years working the fields and helping to establish the fledgling community. Hard working and passionate, yet friendly and open to others he developed a deep attachment to Sri Sri Radha Govardhanadhari the presiding Deities. (Click here for the full article)

I am looking for a devotee called Kusa Sthali who worked in Soho St Temple in London. She was in the Kitchen with me, she is Polish but I think she moved to Sweden. If anyone knows her ask her to contact me please. Thanks.

My email is jean_paul@ntlworld.com.



Questions About GBC Resolution 311
by Amara dasa
Posted May 5, 2008

I read with interest the new GBC resolution (311) recommending that the BBT explain, in endnotes or appendices, statements about women that may be misunderstood in Srila Prabhupada's books. This seems like a good idea but I'm wondering how far it will be extended. The examples cited involve only a few "rape" quotes whereas it has been my experience that most women, educated professionals, college students, graduates, etc. are more often offended by the numerous "less intelligent" and "no independence" statements found in the BBT books. Will these types of statements also be addressed in the appendices? (Click here for the full article)



Nrsimha Caturdasi Festival
by Iskcon Murari Sevaka
Posted May 4, 2008

You are cordially invited to ISKCON Murari Sevaka Farm To Celebrate the appearance day of Lord Nrsimhadeva

Nrsimha Caturdasi

Sunday May 18th 2008

"I offer my respectful obeisances unto Lord Nrsimhadeva, the source of all power. O my Lord, who possesses nails and teeth just like thunderbolts, kindly vanquish our demon-like desires for fruitive activity in this material world. Please appear in our hearts and drive away our ignorance so that by Your mercy we may become fearless in the struggle for existance in this material world." -Srimad Bhagavatam 5.18

Schedule

(Click here for the full article)



Land for Sale in Vrindavan
by Radhika Priya dasi
Posted April 30, 2008

400 sq yard land, situated on the main road of Madhuvan Colony and surrounded by devotees is available for sale. The area is seven minutes walking distance to Krishna Balaram Temple. Interested persons may write to Radhika Priya Devi Dasi at radhikapdd@hotmail.com.



Nanny Needed in Mumbai India
by Sonal Bansal
Posted April 27, 2008

We urgently need a live-in Nanny to care for my 3 year old son. The location is Mumbai, India. My wife is not well and is not in a position to care for him fully.

Requirements:
• Should be neat and clean
• Should be following 4 regulative principles and chanting
• Should be able and willing to do normal household chores
• Indian national or anybody residing in India with valid visa

Languages: Hindi or English (Click here for the full article)



Au Pair Needed in Berlin
by Gadadhar das, Kalakantha-devi dasi and Radhika
Posted April 26, 2008

A small vaishnava family (Gadadhar das and Kalakantha-devi dasi) is looking for an au pair girl for taking care of their two children; 2 and half years old Radhika and a baby to come in August 2008. We live in Berlin and are working with a group of devotees in the Vedic Academy which is teaching vedic arts and sciences. Probably within the next months, this group of around 10 devotees (+ children) will move to a castle close to Berlin.

We offer a common au pair conditions in a devotee enviroment with the opportunity to take part in the spiritual and academic field of the Vedic Academy. Berlin is an interesting city with lot of devotees, spiritual programs and culture, with active Hare Krishna temples. (Click here for the full article)



Salagram Sila
by Sanat Kumara Dasa
Posted April 26, 2008

Does any devotee have a larger Salagram Sila that can be decorated, ornate and dressed to heart's content and if the devotee is no longer able to worship and could give away? I would humbly accept the Lord's service and I would try my best to offer sincerest service to Him. I will make the shipping arrangement and make a donation if necessary. (Click here for the full article)