March 2009
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Mayapur Apartments by Dhriti Gauranga Das Posted March 30, 2009
New attractive appartments for sale! Situated in a prime location with wonderful rooftop views of the Ganga ISKCON and all Mayapur Dham. The Apartments are opposite Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Birthplace Yogapith, 1 mile (1,5km) from ISKCON, Government Hospital 800 ft(240m), from Main road 200 ft(60m). (Click here for the full article) Vanipedia Celebrates First Year Online by Labangalatika dasi (SDA) Posted March 29, 2009 March 21 marked the first anniversary of Vanipedia, the multifaceted and ambitious web-based encyclopedia dedicated to preserving and promoting the legacy of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, founder-acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. "Vani" is a Sanskrit term which refers to words; instructions; messages; teachings. Operating from the popular and powerful Wiki platform, Vanipedia's goal is to compile the complete range of Srila Prabhupada's archived teachings from all angles of vision and make them freely accessible via internet. The Vanipedia project contains seven components. At present, two of the seven are up and running: (Click here for the full article) Gita Nagari in Need of Truck by Ortrun Gates Posted March 27, 2009 With the planting season and spring upon us, the need for a small pick-up truck at Gita Nagari, Port Royal, PA has grown immensely. As you may be aware, we are planning to have a large garden this year to take advantage of the lovely soil at the farm and to be able to not only supply Sri Sri Radha Damodara with fresh organic vegetables but also, hopefully, a number of devotees. At this time our financial situation is tenuous and we are unable to purchase a vehicle. If you have a truck, still in fairly good working order, that you wish to donate, please get in touch with the Gita Nagari management at 717-527-4101 or drop a line to: adoptcows@yahoo.com. Bhaktivedanta Academy Newsletter - March 2009 by Visvambhara das Posted March 26, 2009
The latest issue of the Bhaktivedanta Academy newsletter is now online. Click Here to view it. The Bhaktivedanta Academy (formerly New Raman Reti School), a Krishna-centered educational institution located in Alachua, Florida, currently serves 50 Pre-K thru 6th grade students, making it the largest devotional school in North America. The Passing And Funeral Service for Harish Das by ISKCON Atlanta Posted March 25, 2009 It is with sadness and heavy hearts that we bring this horrible news that our dear friend Hari Kirtan aka Harish, age 24, is no long with us on this planet. Harish is from Mayapur gurukula and a disciple of his Holiness Bhakti Tirtha Swami. Harish was working at a store in Atlanta, Ga USA and as the sun was setting at 8:01 pm March 22, 2009, he was robbed and shot, which instantly took his life. The emergency medical unit was contacted, but it was too late. The shot took his life instantly. The police and investigating detectives are looking for the men connected with the incident. (Click here for the full article) In the News: Veggie Girl: Kalachandji's By Alexa Schirtzinger in Veggie Girl, The Observer-Dallas Posted March 24, 2009
Being vegan is supposed to do lots of lovely spiritual and gastrointestinal things to you. You're supposed to feel lighter and healthier, for one. And your bowels work better (if "better" can be defined as "with alarming frequency"). A less-publicized side effect of veganism, however, is the constant urban foraging. (Click here for the full article) Devotee Apt Available in Alachua by Anuradha dasi Posted March 23, 2009 Located on seven acres of beautiful land, two miles from Alachua Hare Krishna temple, one mile from Alachua town center, 13 miles from Gainesville. 2 bed / 1 bath, 1000 sq ft apt, upstairs or downstairs, modern new kitchen, large screened in rear porch. Stove, fridge, dishwasher, microwave, A/C, washer/dryer. Free well water, free satellite TV, free high-speed internet: you only pay electricity and rent! Upstairs completed 2007, downstairs completed 2008. Deer (Click here for the full article) Oversight Committee Lacking in North America ISKCON by Dasarath das Posted March 20, 2009 Sandamini and I have worked so hard to establish and grow the temple in Phoenix. It used to be one of the jewels in North America Iskcon. Unfortunately it has succumbed to politics over the years, and the congregation and participating full time devotees has gradually dwindled. Now there dawns another kind of problem. Our GBC of one year, Hridayananda Maharaj, has been replaced by Hari Vilas, without the proper protocol or staightfowardness expected of the North American GBC body. A statement was issued to the temple secretary (who has since resigned from any temple management involvement) by Kuladri prabhu, on behalf of the NA GBC, saying that Hridayananda Goswami was resigning, and that the temple board secretary should sign some paper making it legitimate for the NA GBC to replace him. (Click here for the full article) The Prabhupada Connection is Back by Padmapani das Posted March 18, 2009
Gita Nagari Website Updated by Ortun Gates Posted March 17, 2009 The Gita Nagari website has been updated. Please visit: www.gitanagari.org/ We are in the process of replanting the orchard. The trees in the original orchard do not carry any more fruit and have to be removed. Check the site and find out how you can help. For pictures of the Gita Nagari Gaura Purnima celebration, please visit Click Here Devotees in Car Accident by the Chakra team Posted March 14, 2009
Chakra has just learned that Jahnu prabhu and his wife Braja Sevaki prabhu were in a bad car accident today and are currently hospitalized. Jahnu has suffered severe injuries, including two punctured lungs. Braja Sevaki's injuries appear to be less severe. We will update the devotee community as more information becomes available, but would like to encourage everyone to keep them and their loved ones in their prayers during this difficult time.
Ekadasi Foods by Jagad Bharata das Posted March 10, 2009 Is a rule to offer Ekadasi foods on Gour Purnima? Has Iskcon GBC given a instruction on that? Any info please email me at jagadbharata@yahoo.com.br. Building Bridges Conference At ISKCON of DC, April 10-12, 2009 by Romapada Swami Posted March 8, 2009
Please refer to the enclosed flier and the information below to find out how you can register for this exciting event today. (Click here for the full article) Srila Prabupada Murtis for Sale by Aprakrita dasa Posted March 5, 2009
This is an invaluable offer! The most spiritual Christmas gift you can think of. Few murtis at still available at this very low price.
We have three different murtis: A New Book About Srila Prabhupada by Babhru das Posted March 4, 2009 Over the last few months I've been working on an essay bringing together the external evidence we have about Srila Prabhupada's internal life. It turned into a rather long piece, and it was great fun to write. This essay gives us access to the diverse indications given by Srila Prabhupada by which we may understand his love for Krishna. Intimate stories from disciples The realizations of sadhus Signs from Srila Prabhupada's life Srila Prabhupada's own statements. I've made this article free online (Click here for the full article) Please Pray for Jayaben by Kiran Patel Posted March 3, 2009 This is humble request that you all can pray for a life long devotee Mrs Jayaben Ruparelia, who is terminally ill with cancer in London. Hounslow |
In the Blog World: ISKCON Mayapur 'Goshalla' Treats Cows Kindly by Rev. Heng Sure for Dharma Forest on 21 Mar 2009, posted by Jeannette Posted March 29, 2009 American Buddhist Monk Rev. Heng Sure took his morning walks to the ISKCON Mayapur Goshalla while visiting for the interfaith conference late last year. At the ISKCON center in Mayapur they treat cows kindly. It's true for most of India, to be sure, but the Krishna Devotees have created an Old Cows Home that really does it right. I took walks there in the mornings while in India for the URI Global Assembly. The story goes like this: in West Bengal, if a cow gets old and stops giving milk, it's hard on the farmer's pocketbook to keep feeding her/him/it. But in India people rarely kill cows so what to do? The Krishna center at Mayapur decided to invite the farmers to donate their old, milkless cows to the Mayapur Goshala, or "Cow Home." The cows came, the devotees gave each cow its own name, its own stall (with name painted overhead) and sang the names of God to the cows all day long. Guess what happened? (Click here for the full article) Building Bridges Conference by Lalit Agarwal Posted March 27, 2009 This note is a reminder about the Building Bridges Conference At ISKCON of DC, April 10-12, 2009. Off the Altar for Good by Gangamata Goswamini devi dasi Posted March 26, 2009 When I first joined ISKCON, my mentor, a senior Vaishnavi whispered, "I cannot do worship, I am off the altar". It took me some time to figure out what it meant, but after one week she was worshipping again. Unfortunately, the female residents of ISKCON India are all off the altar in all major temples, and perhaps in their homes as well. What I really want to see is female pujaris in Mayapura! Yet I see no such thing in the presentations in this year's GBC meetings. (Click here for the full article) In the News: Give a Little, Get a Lot by Monika Hanley, The Baltic Times Posted March 24, 2009
RIGA - About once a week since I first moved here, I've met a lady on or near Barona street asking for money for the Hare Krishna "Dzivibas Ediens" (Food for Life) program, which feeds the homeless and anyone else who lines up in front of the Barona street building. And for whatever reason I once gave her a few santims or so, and she gave me some cookies and a free book. (Click here for the full article) Ranganiketan European Tour by Ajit das, Director, Ranganiketan, Temple President, ISKCON Manipur Posted March 23, 2009 Srila Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Swami Sripad Maharaj's Ranganiketan Manipuri Cultural Arts Troupe www.ranganiketan.com will be making a tour of Europe from 5th - 25th July this year Devotees who are interested in utilizing the artiste's preaching potential by organizing programs should contact me (ajit das) to discuss the possibilities as soon as possible. (Click here for the full article) White Flag by Sandamani devi dasi Posted March 20, 2009 I don't know anything about curses, counter curses, or accusations. I can only speak from my vantage point. The fact that changes in the past in the Phoenix temple were being made by the NA GBC without consultation, putting people in place that were unknown or unqualified, excluding myself from any an all service in Phx (even though I started the place) seeing temple attendance plummet and resident and local devotees disheartened and in some cases rejected from the temple. All of this was ancient history...so I thought. Now the whole scenario is repeating itself again. How can one have faith and trust when some of the same things are again happening? Where is the open communication and inclusiveness? The GBC is changed without consolation, (Click here for the full article) Baltimore Rathyatra / Festival of India by ISKCON Baltimore Posted March 20, 2009 The ISKCON Baltimore Rathayatra, Festival of India will be held on Saturday, May 30th, 2009 starting at the Science Center {Inner Harbor - Baltimore} at 12:00 noon and proceed down Light St to McKeldin Square where the Festival Of India tents and booths will be set up for the remainder of the day. Garage Parking is available right across from McKeldin Square, or you may park at any meter that has an orange cover as we will be arranging with the city to cover a number of parking meters to allow for devotees to park along the parade route on Key Highway {across from the Maryland Science Center} before going down Light Street. (Click here for the full article) Railroad Square Project Needs Help by Garuda das (Tallahassee, Florida) Posted March 18, 2009 For seven years, I've been living on 40 acres in Tallahassee, Florida, two hours northwest of Alachua, Florida. At Bliss Farm we hold spiritual events and festivals, and I assist rainbow/travelers who need a place to stay by teaching them farming, the bhakti-yoga lifestyle, and I offer programs to quit smoking and drugs, and various types of personal help that are part and parcel of giving shelter to others. As you know, the world is in a precarious position and that position will not improve any time soon. The "horse pill" needed to heal our crippled world consists of three ingredients: (Click here for the full article) Swiss Ashram Overcomes Boundaries by Krishna Candra das Posted March 17, 2009
The fluctuation of devotees in our Gaudiya Vaishnava community is enormous. So many souls find a way to Radha-Krishna bhakti, but a similar number leave after some time, disappointed. We can always give rational explanations -- too weak, in maya, too busy with maintainance of daily life -- but it leaves a question-mark in our own practice and understanding of how we live and understand Krishna consciousness. (Click here for the full article) Help Buying Vrindavan Real Estate by Krsnashish Posted March 15, 2009 By Krsna's mercy, I have developed a good relationship with the main builders of apartment and bungalows. I would like to serve the devotee community by facilitating any of you who would like to purchase an apartment or bungalow here in Vrindavan, since now any foreigner can purchase property in India. My service would be free of charge to you. Hopefully my experience and contacts will be helpful and make it easier for devotees to purchase property in Sri Vrindavan Dham. If you are interested, please contact me at: nandagopa.acbsp@pamho.net. Gaura Purnima Fasting And Feasting: Prabhupada's Instructions by Kristo Falaya Posted March 14, 2009 This is in response to Jagad Bharata prabhu's inquiry re. prasadam restrictions on Gaura Purnima. Here is what Prabhupada wrote in 1968-1970: "So far the Advent Day of Lord Caitanya is concerned, I have written a full suggestion to Montreal, in which the main points are that we should all observe strict fasting up till moonrise, and at that time, an offering is made to Lord Caitanya of Ekadasi foods, fruits, peanuts, milk, and so forth. Then, on the next day, Friday the 15th, a full-scale feast is held to celebrate His Advent Day. On the 14th, chanting, reading of Srila Bhaktivinode's book, (Click here for the full article) Happy Gaura Purnima by Chakra.org Posted March 10, 2009
For live Gaura Purnima webcam from Sri Mayapur, please visit: mayapur.com/video/ Yoga Teacher Training in Atlanta by Wesley S. Camp Posted March 8, 2009 We have new dates for the Atma Yoga Teacher Training taking place this summer in Atlanta. The program will run from May 2 - August 9. Classes will meet every other weekend, Saturdays and Sundays 8:00am - 8:00pm. This training is offered at the Self Discovery Center, adjacent to New Panihati Dham in Atlanta. To apply, visit www.AtmaYoga.net. In the News: P. L. Sethi: Remembering An ISKCON Hero by ISKCON News Weekly Posted March 5, 2009
Although he was never officially initiated into ISKCON, Sethi always regarded Prabhupada as his guru. From the moment the two first met in 1971, Sethi became a life member and a staunch, loyal follower of Srila Prabhupada. That same year, ISKCON acquired four acres near Juhu Beach in Mumbai, dubbed it "Hare Krishna Land," and erected a temporary temple there. But former owners Mr and Mrs Nair weren't letting go easily. In the early 1970s, Mrs Nair convinced the Bombay Municipal Council through one of its members, Pushpakant Mhatre, to issue a demolition order on ISKCON's temporary temple. (Click here for the full article) Turn ISKCON Farms Into Co-Ops by Gaura das Posted March 4, 2009 If the farms were run as co-ops (owned and managed by the members who would be devotees), then most initiated devotees would have a place to live and grow food. This also provides a practical way of life for our children which currently isn't so visible. The math of the idea is simple; devotees currently living outside the temples/farms currently pay for their home food etc. could use this money towards a more suitable and sustainable lifestyle without upsetting their work/business interests. we ow either pay rent mortgage or own a house so devotees have adequately finances to live in community and the co-op management system gives security and ownership as well as community the co-op rules/objectives etc can be adjusted to suit the ISKCON varnashram ideas given to us by Srila Prabhupada. (Click here for the full article) Goura Purnima 2009 by ISKCON Murari Sevaka Mandir Posted March 3, 2009
ISKCON Murari Sevaka Mandir To Celebrate the Appearance of Sri Krishna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Sunday, March 15th 2009 Schedule
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Remembering Harisih by Dvijapriya dasi Posted March 29, 2009
Learn Sanskrit Through Correspondence by Krishna Swarup das Posted March 27, 2009 Sanskrit Introductory Course Sanskrit is a member of the Indo-European family of languages and of the Indo-Iranian branch of languages in particular. It shows many similarities in both grammar and vocabulary to ancient Greek and Latin, the classical languages of Europe. Sanskrit functioned for more than two thousand years as the basic vehicle of classical Indian literature. Knowledge of Sanskrit provides the key to a first-hand understanding of classical religion and philosophy of India. Sanskrit is also an important language for the study of "Vedic Sanatan Dharma" generally known as 'Hinduism', which includes various schools of philosophy, and it is indispensable for the student of comparative philosophy. (Click here for the full article) In Need of a Few Good Temple Presidents; Phoenix is No Exclusion! by Dasarath das Posted March 26, 2009 Why is is so hard to get qualified devotees who have spent so much time in Iskcon, who have gone through so much training in devotional service, to come forward and take up some responsibility again in their guru maharaj's movement? Although there are several reasons, one reason is the lack of ability on behalf of the GBC, to gain their trust. "Phoenix temple has lost its' luster". This was a quote from an Indian congregational member, told to me by Caru prabhu, several years back. The man had seen our Phoenix temple from the beginning, and then seen it get covered by mismanagement and lets just say, a lack of caring. He told Caru that there is at least one temple he can still identify with - Caru's temple in Utah. (Click here for the full article) Krishna Balaram Mandir Seeks Pujari by Mithuna Das Posted March 24, 2009 The Sri Sri Krishna Balaram Mandir, the residence of Sri Sri Hari Haladhari , is a very vibrant , and rapidly growing temple in South Richmond Hill, Queens, NY. This temple celebrates all major Gaudiya Vaisnava festivals, and has a regular Sunday feast attendance of close to one hundred devotees, and guests. The kirtans and prasadam are always ecstatic, the devotees are very friendly, and many senior ISKCON ,and well known devotees give discourses here. The surrounding community is favorable to Krishna Consciousness, and over the years we have developed solid relationships with more than a dozen other temples in our catchment area. Our building is located less than five minutes walk to the MTA train, (Click here for the full article) FFL Vrindavan Annual Report by Deenanath dasa Posted March 23, 2009 The Food for Life Vrindavan (FFLV) Anual Report is now available for viewing. The report contains news and reports including:
This year administration costs were down to 4.8 % due to considerable spending on construction and purchasing land which do not attract many administration costs. This means that for every dollar you donate to FFLV, 95.2 cents goes directly to your specified project. The report is available in a low resolution format (1 MB), (Click here for the full article) The Phoenix Temple: Reply to Dasarath by Harivilas das Posted March 20, 2009 Thank you for giving me the opportunity to reply to Dasarath das. Having a balanced presentation permits the reader to judge for themselves. It is unfortunate that Dasaratha dasa made a public display out of a private conversation. The issue is very simple. He tried to push someone as president of the Phoenix temple and got angry that he did not get his way. I told him that I will be happy to consider the devotee he suggested but was not prepared to make an appointment on the spot. I explained that I have never heard of this devotee and given the Phoenix temple's recent history of 3 presidents in 4 years, I am going to take the time to carefully choose and train the next president among any qualified candidates. (Click here for the full article) Devotee Association in Leeds? by Venu Krishna das Posted March 18, 2009 I saw that there was Harinam in the streets of Leeds late last year. My daughter wants to pursue management studies in Leeds as she loves the country side. As we are born Hindu Brahmins and also initiated through one of the Spiritual Masters of ISKCON, I would like to know whether my daughter will be at ease staying and congregating in Leeds. Currently we live in Mumbai, India. Please write to me on (Click here for the full article) Ananta Printing's New Website by Nabadwip das Posted March 17, 2009 Ananta Printing is pleased to announce the launch of it's new website at www.anantaprinting.com. Please visit and bookmark the page for your convenience. We offer full color printing at wholesale/ trade prices. Catalogs, brochures, business cards, letterheads, envelopes, labels, postcards, posters, presentation folders, flyers, and cd inserts are just some of the things we print. If you have any questions, please call +1 831-464-9045 or email us at nabadwip@anantaprinting.com. We've gone green! (Click here for the full article) Room for Rent in Alachua by Kishore Krsna Das Posted March 15, 2009 Room for rent in Alachua, FL, for devotees favorable to ISKCON and who have a serious interest in Krsna consciousness and who enjoy going regularly to the temple morning program. My house is located only 2.9 miles from the temple and the rent is cheap. If you like to preach Krsna consiousness or do garden work, then we can work something out. Call 904 589 8783 for more info or email me at yogafru@aol.com. Sri Sri Krishna Balaram Mandir, Queens, NY Joins With 25,000 Hindu Friends And Their Well Wishers to Celebrate Holi Sammelan 2009 (March 14 And 15) by Sri Sri Krishna Balaram Mandir, Queens, NY. Posted March 14, 2009 The Sri Sri Krishna Balaram Mandir in Richmond Hill Queens is situated in the precinct of a large Indian immigrant community, whose members are either expatriates or from the diaspora. Over the years, friendships have been developed with more than a dozen local Hindu temples; the chanting of the Maha mantra by ISKCON devotees is almost a staple on the worship itineraries at these temples; several of their members are attending our temple regularly. One of the biggest and most colorful festivals hosted by the local Hindu community is Holi Sammelan.On March 14 , 2009 , from 3:00 p.m, the devotees of the Sri Sri Krishna Balaram Mandir will be chanting at Maha Lakshmi Mandir (Click here for the full article) In the Blog World: New Mayapur Harinam Weblog by Shastra dasa Posted March 10, 2009
Tulsi Seeds Available by D R Singh Posted March 8, 2009 Tulsi seeds and leaves are still available free of charge for your puja and uses. I pay standard shipping. Please make your requests to: drupatisingh@aol.com or +1 787 205 1975. Room for Rent in Alachua by Sudevi Sundari Posted March 8, 2009 We have a couple of extra rooms available for rent in our home in alachua. If you know of anyone looking for a place to live in the downtown Alachua area, preferably female, please go ahead and pass this message along to them. Phone: +1-386-878-1028 E-mail: sudevisundari@yahoo.com Puri Maharaja Passes Away by Chakra.org Posted March 8, 2009
For more information, please see his disciples' website: www.purimaharaj.com/ GBC Meeting Day Four: "Organize Society" Means Varnashrama by Niscala dasi Posted March 4, 2009 It was really nice of our GBC to post details of their meetings in Mayapura, the transparency is commendable. I found it very thoughtful, too, that they brought up Srila Prabhupada's instruction to "organize society" (Day four), but was disappointed that they did not take it in the context he always gave with this instruction- organize society into varnashrama. That is the only context that I can find these two words ever used in, and I am sure they will find the same, upon examination. In those instructions, he describes the enormous spiritual benefits to ISKCON that the introduction of varnashrama would bring, including making it a house for the whole world to live in, and exactly how it would be so. I am surprised that the GBC instead took the words "organize society" to mean make more committees, sub-commitees etc and thus micro-manage the movement. It does not take a prophet amongst us to predict that this will be a failure in respect to solving our decreasing membership; (Click here for the full article) Leave No Stone Unturned by Sandamini devi Posted March 3, 2009
Here in Tucson, Arizona, where the weather is ideal most months, we have taken advantage of the many holidays, both Indian and western, to have large outdoor festivals. Being inspired by the success and devotion of Caru and Vaibhavi prabhus in Utah, we take every opportunity, or create an opportunity, to celebrate the culture of Krishna Consciousness. (Click here for the full article) |
After being offline for a few months, The Prabhupada Connection is back by popular demand. We've received many letters urging us to continue and so we hope to serve you for a long time to come. Please drop by and enjoy Srila Prabhupada's online association. You're also invited to participate by sharing your Prabhupada memories, photos, artwork and offerings. Every day we have many new readers from around the world and they're all eager to hear about and learn from Srila Prabhupada and his followers. Kindly help us to introduce and inspire them in Prabhupada's service and Krishna Consciousness.
I'd like to personally invite you to attend an important conference called "Building Bridges" to be held at the ISKCON of Washington DC temple from April 10th-12th, 2009. This conference focuses on the question: How can we best share the timeless wisdom of Krishna consciousness with increasingly diverse audiences? This unique conference, organized for the first time in the USA, is open to all and is especially relevant to those who are engaged in or interested in any form of outreach.
