October 2009
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Gita Nagari News by Ortrun Gates Posted October 27, 2009 The newest edition of Damodara Rati and AaC News is now available. It has been a very busy and productive summer as you will learn on perusing the newsletter. Please click the link below. Mayapur Street Band Releases Harinam CD by Ila devi dasi Posted October 26, 2009
Taking his cue from the classic harinam masters of the past, and mixing in some lively African beats, this combination gets you on your feet immediately with its energy, catchy accordion bass lines and soul expressions of love for the Divine, our most beloved Sri Sri Radha Krishna. Adding a few electric tones here and there, this CD will take you on a musical and spiritual journey through the streets of Mayapur. For a sample track, visit http://www.mayapurharinam.com. To order CDs, contact (Click here for the full article) Srila Prabhupada Mural by Avril Heffernan Posted October 25, 2009
I am painting a mural for the teenage boys at my work which depicts several prominent male figures who have made contributions to the world through work in their respective fields and their outreach to humanity, often in spite of overwhelming odds. Each section shows what the person looked like as a boy and then a man, with an added piece representing his contribution. The bottom reads, "Every boy is a great man in the making." I wanted very much to include Srila Prabhupada, as I feel his mere image will touch the hearts of these troubled kids and start them on a pathway back to Krishna. A wonderful devotee was able to provide me with a photo of Srila Prabhupada which I have incorporated into the mural. (Click here for the full article) Value of Pastoral Training for Gurus Submitted by Ekendra das (ISKCON News Service) Posted October 22, 2009 Historically, a guru tends to be an autocrat within his own institution, but Srila Prabhupada's vision of thousands of gurus working cooperatively within a single institution is unique and bold. In October, in the pleasant and historic holy city of Ujjain, India, where Sandipani Muni once taught Krishna and Balarama, two senior instructors led the fourth session of "Being a Guru in ISKCON: A Spiritual Leadership Seminar." It was hosted by ISKCON Ujjain, where the attendees relished wonderful kirtans, classes, prasada and Vaishnava hospitality in ISKCON's gorgeous and popular new temple. Why should a guru need to attend a seminar on devotee care, spiritual health and allegiance to Srila Prabhupada, one may ask? Srila Prabhupada wanted hundreds and thousands of gurus to spread Krishna consciousness all over the world. (Click here for the full article) Healthy Reason by Madhavendra Puri das, ISKCON Paris Posted October 21, 2009 A poem in celebration of Srila Prabhupada's disappearance day, October 21, 2009.
Bhaktivinod's statement is still
To spread the Name, you tried indeed,
Through the ether and through the air,
Bhakti within, from Goloka, Vrindavan Flat for Sale by Priya Rodriguez Posted October 19, 2009
Due to my leaving the Dham, I'm selling it very cheap. (Click here for the full article) Veg Roommate Wanted by Gaurav Kewlani Posted October 15, 2009 We are looking for a male roommate for a second floor apartment on Westland Ave. in Boston starting 01 Nov 2009. Apartment Details: Large, front facing, 2 bed and living room. Includes heat and hot water. Modern kitchen with disposal, hardwood floors, modern bathroom with linen closet. All recently renovated. Rent will be $460 (plus $20 or so for electricity and internet). Convenient location: Next to Mass Ave., Whole Foods, T stations, Northeastern University, Boston University, Harvard Medical School. 15 minutes walk to the temple. (Click here for the full article) In the Blog World: Mayapurkatha Blogspot by Padmalochan Das & Vrindavan Lila Dasi Posted October 12, 2009 Could you please post the following links somewhere on your site? Devotees may be interested in this discussion about the Temple of Vedic Planetarium. Welcome to Jyotish Business Solutions by Jyotish Business Solutions Posted October 10, 2009
We are a consulting firm that puts your karma first! Have you wondered why even the best laid plans by the most qualified people don't always turn out to be a success? The reason for this can be found through Jyotish, Science of Divine Light. Maybe you have already heard of the Vedas, the Ancient Indian Scriptures. So, Jyotish means the eye, the eye through which we can see the Vedas. Jyotish is like the flash light shined through the darkness to be able to see the Vedas and begin to understand them. So, what does all this have to do with your business or career path? Jyotish looks at the planets as energetic influences that affect the world around us. (Click here for the full article) Damodar Astakam by Shabda Hari Das Posted October 7, 2009 Available Positions at ISKCON Boston by Daru Krishna das Posted October 6, 2009 1. ISKCON Boston is looking for a Temple Brahmin Priest. We will offer room, board and a 25% commission on money brought into the temple by the performances of Samskars/Poojas to the devotee who fills this service position. Temple sponsored events would be excluded from commission payouts. The primary responsibility of this position would be to develop and manage a Vedic Samskar/Pooja program. Other responsibilities would include, but not limited to. 1. Serve as the primary Samskar/Pooja priest for the community 2. Perform Deity pujari service 3. Educate the congregation about the process of Bhakti yoga 4. Conduct home programs 5. Do temple service as needed 6. Assist in cooking offerings for the Deities (Click here for the full article) "How to Open and Maintain a Temple" Workshop by Jagannatha Misra das Posted October 5, 2009 Learn and Share the knowledge of the most cherised desire of Srila Prabhupada, to open a temple in every corner of the world. One at a time. Old style. Free. No catch. Bring yourself as the payment. Your hands on service is our payment!
Mrdanga class Learn the techniques and art of opening and maintaing a temple actively practicing in a real temple development. (Click here for the full article) In the News: ISKCON's Second Generation Celebrates Kuli MeLA 2009 Written by Madhava Smullen and originally posted at ISKCON News Weekly on September 19th, 2009 Posted October 4, 2009
Only a couple of hours ago, they walked down the red carpet in a brilliant hail of flash photography. Now, as they sit in the open air under the glittering stars, they watch performers deliver a first class show of entertainment and heart, each act introduced by local celebrities. On the stands above, a sprightly reporter conducts interviews for the show's DVD release. Yet what seems, at first glance, to be a typical Hollywood awards show... is not. For from an altar on the stage, deities of Jagannath, Baladeva, and Subhadra watch the proceedings. (Click here for the full article) New Book On Cow Protection by Bhakta Chris Evans Posted October 2, 2009
On the occasion, 4 vice-chancellors of Andhra Pradesh universities were present. Minister spoke on the need for more information and awareness on cow science of ancient India and congratulated Dr Dasa for his work in this field. State and national media covered the event. Today we are treating other life forms just like inert objects, as if they are devoid of any feelings whatsoever. We are showing unprecedented cruelty and callousness towards the dumb creation of God with whom we share this planet. Cruelty has been industrialized, barbarism has been institutionalized. Today the mistreatment of animals is phenomenal, unprecedented in human history. The unspeakable treatment meted out to poor animals before they become our dinner will never go unpunished by the stringent laws of nature. (Click here for the full article) Looking for Gaurbhavini Devi Dasi by Ramananda Gauranga Das (Calcutta, India) Posted October 1, 2009 I'm looking for my friend who is a very good and dear devotee of Lord Krishna. Her legal name is Goshiya from Poland and her initiated name is Gaurbhavini devi dasi. As per last information she moved to Puerto Rico with her husband. Since then I have no information about her. If any one have any information about her or if you, Gaurabhavini is reading this article, please mail me at sagar10ys@yahoo.com or rgd_jps@hotmail.com |
Govardhana Puja in Ludhiana by Bhakta Kaplish Posted October 27, 2009
Triumphant Homecoming Rathayatra by Dvija-priya dasi Posted October 26, 2009
Wanted: Vrindavan Flat by Sumant Posted October 25, 2009 Looking for a 1 or 2 BR flat in Vrindavan to rent starting mid-December 2009, with an annually renewable contract. Please contact me with photos and other details at (Click here for the full article) Almviks Gard Sweden - Service Opportunity by Labangalatika dasi, Almviks Gard, Sweden, New Caitanya Candrodaya mandir Posted October 22, 2009 Almviks Gard, New Caitanya Candrodaya mandir, is beautifully sitated in the peaceful countryside south of Stockholm, Sweden. Ours is a stable grhasta community originally established in 1980 as an ISKCON farming community. Since then we have developed into a village of grhastas, about 15 families, in the middle of which the temple where our Deities Sri Sri Pancha Tattva preside. The setting is simple and rural, a good place for simple living and high thinking. At this time, we are able to offer the right devotee(s) the opportunity to serve as cook/pujari. Due to unexpected circumstances our temple crew, previously three devotees, has suddenly been reduced to one senior brahmacari. Ideally there is service for five persons. Almviks Gard has asrama facilities for, and are welcoming both men and ladies. (Click here for the full article) Annotated Scans for Bhagavad-Gita As It is Ch. 1 Submitted by Kaisori-devi dasi at bbtedit.com Posted October 21, 2009 The annotated scans for chapter one of Bhagavad-gita As It Is should be posted online at www.BBTedit.com within the next few days. The scans show Jayadvaita Swami's personal copy of the first edition of the book, with the revisions made to the word-for-word meanings and the purports. (The translations were done separately.) The included annotations give the reasons for most of the changes and most often tell what Srila Prabhupada's original manuscript said. Also included are images showing relevant portions of the manuscript itself. Regardless of one's point of view, one is sure to find the scans informative. The scans for the Preface and Introduction are already online at www.BBTedit.com/changes. Chronology of Srila Prabhupada's Departure by Anantacarya das Posted October 19, 2009 These are extracts from a diary I kept 32 years ago during the last five days of Srila Prabhupada's presence with us in Vrindavan, India. Arriving at the Krishna-Balaram Mandir from California at about 9:30 a.m. on November 11, I enter Srila Prabhupada's room. Lying on his back in a large bed, he is being massaged gently. A kirtan is in progress. Prabhupada is incredibly thin; his hands and feet are swollen. His limbs are supported by pillows. Srila Prabhupada says he will go on parikram to Govardhan Hill. Devotees ask if he will ride in a minibus; his answer is "bullock cart". Srila Prabhupada is so weak he can barely move his forearms or raise a hand as a signal. If he wants to move his leg, he asks someone to help him. It is startling to see him so emaciated, but there he is, in his transcendental body. In this unbelievably weakened condition he proposes to go 32 kilometres in a bullock cart, circumambulate the hill, stay overnight and return the next day! He remains our intrepid spiritual leader, not wanting his bodily condition to stop his Govardhan Puja. Worried, we start planning for the parikram. (Click here for the full article) Tucson Holds Feed the World Day by Sandamini dasi, President, ISKCON Tucson Posted October 17, 2009
We had 450 people attending this year to honor the seven-course vegan feast and to hear continuous chanting of the holy name from a stage in the courtyard. (Click here for the full article) ISKCON Sri Mayapur Celebrates Thirty Years of Nama-Hatta Preaching by Iksvaku das Posted October 12, 2009
It started in West Bengal when a group of western and Bengali devotees, followers of Srila Prabhupada, began to preach Krishna consciousness in the villages around Mayapur. Despite the lack of facilities, the results were surprising: in less than one year thirty Nama-hatta sangas were formed. In 1980, during the first congregational convention or Nama-hatta Mela in Mayapur, one hundred and fifty representatives attended. In the following years the program grew exponentially to more than two thousand active groups; the current estimate is that 39,000 people are participating (Click here for the full article) Damodarastakam at ISKCON Ludhiana by Bhakta Kaplish Posted October 10, 2009
Tijuana Ratha Yatra and New Preaching Center by Centro Cultural Hare Krishna Tijuana Posted October 7, 2009
Spiritual Warrior Tele-Classes by Andre Gray Posted October 6, 2009 Listen to tele-classes based on the Spiritual Warrior books written by HH Bhakti Tirtha Swami Maharaja. Hosted by M. Indrani dd the tele-classes take place every Wednesday evening at 7:00pm EST. Dail in number: (518) 825-1400 Access code: 87-36-85 For more information go to: www.GitaYoga.net Vrindavan Flat for Sale by Vasanti Patel Posted October 5, 2009
Help Victims of Typhoon Ondoy by Radha Lila Devi Dasi (Temple Administrator & FFL Director) Posted October 4, 2009
The Food for Life Team of ISKCON SRI SRI RADHA-MADHAVA MANDIR has untiringly and painlessly continuing the mission of "FOOD FOR LIFE" by giving out Prasadam (Hot nutritious vegetarian sanctified food) to all people who were affected by the Typhoon since Saturday. (Click here for the full article) New Book: Bhagavad-Gita in 3D, a Study Guide by Madhava Priya devi dasi Posted October 2, 2009
The title comes from the three levels of confidential knowledge given by Krishna and explained by Srila Prabhupada in the Gita. (No, it isn't a pop-up book, sorry...) Not only are there three levels of confidential knowledge, but if one understands the three levels, the message of the Gita stands out much more clearly, as if suddenly appearing in three dimensions. This book is an attempt to share such an experience with devotees. There are three parts to this book. The first is a course complete with tests, on the five topics of the Gita, the yoga ladder, and the three levels of confidential knowledge. That part can't be read without a Gita in hand and is meant to be used by devotees giving class or leading Gita discussion groups. (Click here for the full article) The Art of Prasad Distribution by Parasuram das Posted October 1, 2009 FFL Kingscross presents a 1 week residential seminar hands on training in London. Topics covered:
Cooking for festivals
Cooking for events
Cooking for feasts Setting up a prasad distribution project There is no charge for the course. (Click here for the full article) |
BTG Back Issues for Sale by Elle Mitchell Posted October 27, 2009 I would like to pass on these duplicate issues that I've acquired while collecting BTG magazines. There is cover wear and yellowing commensurate with age but all are clean, intact, and will make excellent reading copies. I am only selling these as a set and will not split out individual copies.
Do We Transcend Varnashrama? by Niscala dasi Posted October 26, 2009 Interesting things have happened to me since presenting my book Varnashrama, the Eight-petalled Lotus. I entered a varnashrama discussion forum, a group of devotees obviously very keen on introducing varnashrama within our movement. However, only a portion of Srila Prabhupada's instructions on the matter was being presented — specifically the portion in which he stressed that even within a varnashrama structure, we are all Vaishnavas, and that we are only playing the part of sudras, vaisyas and so on to set a precedent for general society to follow. After all, since we are Vaishnavas, we are transcendental to varnashrama. In another conversation, however, Srila Prabhupada offers a very different viewpoint, citing a Caitanya-Caritamrta verse: "It is the living entity's constitutional position to be an eternal servant of Krishna" (C.C., Madhya 20.108). Prabhupada declared (Click here for the full article) In the News: ISKCON Philippines Food for Life Feeds Typhoon Ondoy Victims by Madhava Smullen, ISKCON News Weekly Posted October 25, 2009
The tropical storm, which hit the Northern Luzon region of the Philippines on Saturday September 26, caused some of the worst floods the country has ever seen. ISKCON's Sri Sri Radha-Madhava Mandir in Makati City was not spared, with water levels reaching the pictures of Vaishnava gurus on Radha-Madhava's altar. (Click here for the full article) Using a Thorn to Remove a Thorn by Madhava Gosh Posted October 22, 2009 In a recent article on Chakra.org someone writing under the pseudonym of "Tattva das" asked "New Vrindaban and Gas Drilling: High Thinking or Not?" My answer is that it could and should be. First "Tattva das" attempts to compare gas drilling to the so-called "scamkirtan" that many sincere devotees naïvely worked at during the building stage of New Vrindaban. One key difference is that "scamkirtan" was organized as an illegal activity. Receiving signing bonuses and royalties from natural gas production is not illegal. While this differentiation may not be important to "Tattva das", to the rest of the world and many devotees it is. On this basis alone the two activities cannot be compared. "Tattva das" seems to think that it is the drilling for gas that would make New Vrindaban an industrial area. If only it were that simple. The sad fact is that New Vrindaban is already an industrial area. What does Srila Prabhupada counterpose to the idea of an industrial area? (Click here for the full article) The Passing of Vijay Das by Kalindi dasi Posted October 21, 2009 In Memoriam: Vijay das (May 1, 1952 - October 7, 2009) Vijay das, a disciple of Srila Prabhupada, passed away on Wednesday, October 7, in Houston, Texas, from complications of diabetes. Vijay prabhu joined ISKCON in India and was initiated by Srila Prabhupada in Mayapur in 1976. He was instrumental in enrolling many life members in Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and all over India. He participated in morning walks with Srila Prabhupada in Mumbai, and served with many senior devotees, like H.H. Giriraja Maha raja, H.H. Bhakti Charu Swami, H.H. Lokanatha Maharaja and H.H. Hanumat Presaka Maharaja. He travelled throughout India in travelling Sankirtan buses and had lunch with Srila Prabhupada on two occasions in recognition of his outstanding service. In 1982 he won a trip to the USA for recruiting the most life members. He went to Berkeley and served there as the temple treasurer for several years. (Click here for the full article) In the News: Obama's Diwali Message submitted by Urmila devi dasi Posted October 17, 2009 This youtube video shows President Obama's Diwali message, in which he mentions Lord Ramachandra.
Sanskrit Bhajans Memorization Made Easy - Word By Word Translation by Acyuta Krishna das Posted October 15, 2009
The site features analyses of several much-loved Vaishnava bhajans. Here is an example of a verse from Gauranga Balite Ha'be, by Srila Narottama das Thakur:
ara kabe nitai-cadera karuna haibe "ara = and; kabe = when; nitai = Nityananda prabhu; (Click here for the full article) New Vrindaban and Gas Drilling: High Thinking or Not? by Tattva Dasa Posted October 12, 2009 In the early nineties as the scamkirtan dollars dried up and old leaders faded into the sunset there was a lot of talk that perhaps New Vrindaban's detour away from Prabhupada's instructions toward things like simple living, natural farming, and self sufficiency and toward mass collecting of funds to develop the place as a preaching mecca complete with a spiritual Disneyland might have been a major blunder. Fueled by the mantra "the money is the honey," hundreds of sincere New Vrindaban devotees spent years not building homes, cultivating the land, and becoming proficient in matters of self sufficiency but instead prodding people at events and in parking lots across the country for donations with pleas for feeding people, caring for orphans, and supporting boys schools. (Click here for the full article) Ecstatic Vaisnavi Retreat at New Vrindavan by Amrita Gopala dasi Posted October 10, 2009
This retreat's special attraction was the large number of Srila Prabhupada's initiated disciples in attendance. In a seminar facilitated by Her Grace Mahamaya devi dasi, (Click here for the full article) Young Devotee in Accident by Chakra Posted October 8, 2009 Chakra just learned that Caturatma Prabhu's daughter, Manjula, was involved in a serious car accident and is in the hospital. We request devotees to kindly pray for this wonderful young Vaisnavi's welfare during this difficult time. October at Gita Nagari by Ortrun Gates Posted October 7, 2009 We are delighted to invite you to two important Festivals in the month of October:
Program:
Morning: Companion Needed for Devotee With MS by Mahattama devi dasi Posted October 6, 2009 Please take this opportunity to serve a SP disciple as a companion in her home. Baltimore temple only 20 mins. away, there is devotee association and a chance to perform deity worship too. She has been diagnosed with MS, but she is pretty self sufficient and independent until now, she needs help with cooking and driving to appointments. Room and board and an stipend for anyone interested in doing this service, please call Mahattama dd at 443-812-5808. Accommodation Wanted by Prafulla Acharya Posted October 5, 2009 A devotee family (both initiated) moving to London needs one bed room or likewise flat near Bhaktivedanta Manor. Our two small children will join Gurukula in Manor in January 2010. Apartment in nearby areas like Watford, Radlett, Borehamwood, Hatch end etc. would be fine as well. We would be happy to receive all suggestions. Please contact: acharya@consultant.com New Mayapur Apartments for Sale by Dhriti Gauranga Das Posted October 4, 2009
Available is: Large apartment-1350 sqft Small apartment-675 sqft In apartment provide: 24 hours water, generator, security, parking in basement. The information brochure is attached herewith, please download the attach files. (Click here for the full article) Needed: Spiritual Life Mentors by Maha Visnu Das Posted October 2, 2009 I run a web-based service at www.GitaYoga.net, geared toward both devotees and non-devotees alike, and am looking for volunteers to serve as Spiritual Life Mentors. Gita Yoga's Spiritual Life Mentoring is conducted primarily by e-mail but may also be done phone or one-on-one. Purpose: To offer spiritual guidance and support to devotees To offer inspiration and motivation to devotees To provide a safe, non-judgmental and confidential way for devotees to express themselves To assist devotees in solving their personal and spiritual problems To help devotees develop a deeper relationship with Krishna (Click here for the full article) Care for Cows October 2009 by Kurma Rupa das Posted October 1, 2009 Our October 2009 Care for Cows Newsletter has been posted. Please review it at your earliest convenience. (careforcows.org/downloads/newsletters_0). In this edition of 23 pages (5 MB) we present reports on: 1. Surabhi Kunj: An ideal cow protection project in Australia where cows live in natural opulence. 2. The departure of Van Krsna, the first Neel Gai to reside at CFC; and the appearance of three others. 3. Yamuna, one of the most satisfied and friendly cows in Vrindavan. (Click here for the full article) |
