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Seeking Partners in Preaching by Gaurahari das Posted July 24, 2008 I'm looking for sincere volunteer devotees to partner with who have a natural love and passion for Srila Prabhupada's mission to share the wealth of Bhakti Yoga principles with the suffering masses for Lord Caitanya's great pleasure. Preaching partners will receive no material remuneration. I am seeking others to join me with the intention to brainstorm, combine and organize our talents, energy, creative ideas and whatever assets we may have to contribute towards the one-pointed intention of sincerely assisting Srila Prabhupada in saving the conditioned souls. He has given us the facility and now we can utilize it practically. At the same time we can associate together, discussing Krishna and vigorously chant the Holy Name of God. In a previous preaching program in Dharmsala, India, I found that the Buddhist population very much appreciated our street chanting. With a US passport I am free to travel anywhere and everywhere, not being encumbered by family or personal fruitive desires. I have some funds still available at this time for travel expenses. Srila Prabhupada has blessed me with some new talents to serve him like a speaking ability as well as the ability to approach new people fearlessly and to chant boldly in public, an organizational capacity and a passion to serve him tirelessly in both sadhana and practical service. Some suggestions for possible contributions: A meeting space centrally located in or near a metropolitan city, in any part of the world where we can set up a preaching center; a storefront space near a college campus or downtown area; a neglected motor home or traveling van for a travelling book distribution program. I'm hoping to find devotees inspired to participate either part-time or full-time with body, mind and soul in organized preaching. Devotees who like to cook prasadam for distribution, or those who like to participate in street chanting are welcome, as are wealthy devotees who don't have the time but would love to contribute funds for purchase of transcendental books, renting a storefront, house, etc., to help facilitate Srila Prabhupada's dream of making a transcendental difference in this world.
All those sincerely interested, please contact me. Let's see if we can brainstorm and organize something cooperatively that will please our eternal well-wisher, Srila Prabhupada. Please contact me at wzodda@gmail.com or by phone in India, 91-9805020087.
My husband, Bhakta Curt, and I will soon be relocating from Springfield, Illinois to the Alexandria, Louisiana area in the near future, so I can start a new job in Jena, Louisiana. Are there any home programs and/or devotees living within a 120-mile radius of that location? If so, please contact me at Alipsych176@aol.com or my husband at curtmeyer@gmail.com. Our wonderful, loving Gurumaharaja, Rtadhvaja Swami Maharaja, emphasizes the importance of association with devotees, and we have found association to be essential. Thank you.
Inviting Allentown (PA) people to start/join a Bhakti Yoga club. We are planning to meet fortnightly and will discuss from the purports of Srila Prabhupad (a pioneer of Bhakti Yoga in West). Meetings will last for 1 hr and will include free 15 minute session on Breathing exercises and Yoga Postures. Free Vegetarian Meal will be included. Only genuinely interested people need to apply. There is no fee to this program although donations are accepted for reading materials and yoga paraphernalia.
contact: Anil at anil108@gmail.com.
Dear Bhakti Vikasa Swami, Please accept my obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. As you are undoubtedly aware, your disciple Caitanya dasa has been writing a blog entitled "Hare Krishna Diary" as a vehicle for propagating your "teachings." Throughout it, purporting to quote Srila Prabhupada, he pervasively vilifies women as "whores," "prostitutes" and "animals" and consistently vilifies them in abusive language in numerous additional ways. His statements are deeply disturbing and offensive. Even more disturbing is the fact that you are at the very least allowing, if not encouraging, him to do this, which reflects very poorly on you and casts you in an extremely unfavorable light. That you would impart such a distorted and dangerous version of "Krishna consciousness" to young, impressionable devotees in your care reveals a serious deficiency in your judgement and calls into question your qualification to act as an initiating guru on behalf of ISKCON. In addition to his own distasteful statements, Caitanya dasa also quotes and provides numerous links to your texts from the infamous "GHQ" conference. www.vnn.org/world/WD9811/WD18-2521.html. This conference and the statements made by its members (only one of whom is known to have ever had the decency to apologize) were emphatically repudiated by the North American GBC 10 years ago. Therefore it is most surprising that you appear to be encouraging your disciple to actively propagate these very statements, which the GBC described as "demeaning," "ill intended," "ridiculing," "berating" and "vilifying" and thus strongly denounced as "crossing the line of decency, morality and Vaisnava etiquette." In this way, whether you have merely tacitly allowed these things to go on (though one has to wonder how your newly-initiated disciple, a mere 2-year devotee, happened to come into possession of all of your old GHQ writings and one has to to assume that he would surely not have published them without your permission) or whether you have actively encouraged them, you are fully responsible for the abhorrent, vulgar, offensive and abusive statements made by your disciple and consequently must be accountable to the Society of devotees for them. Therefore I am requesting you to please do each of the following: 1. Publicly apologize for the offensive and disturbing statements made by your disciple with your tacit or overt permission. As these statements are being publicly disseminated on the Internet, a public apology from you is similarly in order. 2. Compel your disciple Caitanya dasa to also publicly apologize for the offensive and disturbing statements he has made. 3. Compel your disciple Caitanya dasa to remove this offensive blog from the Internet. Its existence is a liability for ISKCON in every way. 4. Forbid your disciple Caitanya dasa from ever again using the sacred words "Hare Krishna" in any title or in any writing disseminated via any medium which propagates hateful, vulgar, offensive, abusive and misogynistic rhetoric. Calling that repugnant blog the "Hare Krishna Diary" is a disgrace to the Holy Name and a disgrace to Srila Prabhupada that dishonors his legacy and everything he sacrificed to make "Hare Krishna" a household word. Thank you very much.
Your servant,
(1998) Statement by the North American Executive Officers The North American GBC/Temple President Executive Officers wish to voice our strong disapproval of, and our protest against, the demeaning and ill intended statements made by some members of the GHQ com conference that were recently brought to public attention. It is our firm position that Srila Prabhupada, the Founder-acarya of ISKCON, intended his Hare Krishna Movement to be free from all prejudice, sexism, racism and other forms of bigotry. We affirm that the first and foremost principle of our society is that all people (indeed all sentient beings) are eternal, sacred parts and parcels of the Supreme Lord Sri Krishna, and as such should be respected and affirmed in their individual relationship with the Lord, as well as their service to guru and Krishna. Multiple statements made by members of this Internet conference ridicule, berate and vilify women, other minorities, and individual Vaishnava devotees. They document an organized attempt to prevent women from their God-given rights of self expression and service to Srila Prabhupada. We denounce such views. They are opposed to the core values and principles of Vaishnava culture which uphold the devotional offerings of all souls as sacred and worthy of our respect and protection. While we endorse open debate and dialogue within our Krishna Consciousness movement, we must speak out against any discussion that crosses the line of decency, morality, and Vaishnava etiquette and supports an agenda to exploit or minimize a section of our society. Bir Krishna Goswami, Chairperson Anuttama Dasa Sudharma Dasi
Vraja Lila Dasi
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.
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Sanskrit - Level 2 Course by Achyuta Krishna dasa Posted July 27, 2008 Hare Krishna. Dandavat Pranams to dear all. After the immense success of Sanskrit Level 1 course we are glad to announce the start of Sanskrit Level 2 course on Monday July 28. The format and style of the course remains the same as Level 1 Sanskrit course. There is no tuition fee though donations are welcome. For course contents and enrollment please visit: www.bhaktistudies.ning.com and you will find the Sanskrit course under the Group menu. Email your questions to: igvt.hbg@gmail.com.
Regards
On occasion of Sri Krishna Janamashtmi Festival to be celebrated
by ISKCON LUDHIANA on 24th August, we need a sankirtana party from
India. Interested can email at bhakta.kaplish@pamho.net
The festival will be in very big pandal and expected a large number of
congregational devotees.
From India to Ireland, Scotland to South Africa, America to Australia, Moscow to Mauritius, ISKCON (popularly known as the Hare Krishna Movement) is accepted as a bona fide religious organization around the world and is recognized among learned academics (e.g. University of Cambridge, England). In France however, the influential anti-cult bureau (funded by the French government) has successfully introduced laws and policies constricting the activities of minority religious organizations and in 1989, has unfairly and unlawfully branded the Hare Krishna movement a dangerous cult, thereby creating unfounded fears in the public against us and curtailing our efforts to serve French society. But there are winds of change "Paris is Europe's largest city, the world's number one tourist destination, metropolis of culture, architectural wonders, night life, tree lined avenues, monuments, cafes, education, museums, revolutions. I thought people don't like us here. Who said that - it's fantastic.... " - Janananda Gosvami. Two communication teams have been created in Paris & New Mayapur and they have met with Ms. Catherine Katz, the government representative for observing the cult issue and dealings with religious minorities. She has spoken positively on the Hare Krishna movement on French TV channel 2 and some more meetings will take place with her and the communication team. Establishing Krishna Consciousness in Paris had not been easy due to discrimination for many years but there are positive signs now due a number of auspicious things:
"If anyone wants to really experience bliss - or as close to it as you can imagine - then take a break in Paris and go on Harinam. Notre Dame, Eiffel Tower. It's terrific - the place is crawling with thousands and thousands of tourists and locals and they really love the devotees, at least when they are dancing and chanting". - Janananda Gosvami.
For pictures and videos - krishnaparis.com
I am looking for devotees living in and close-by to Rochester, NY to start regular devotee gathering there. If anyone is interested please call me at (585) 820-5028.
Meeting Vaishnavas from different communities, from May 9 to May 11 a breakthrough took place in Goloka Dhama, Germany: over 100 devotees of different gurus and maths from all over Germany and Switzerland came together for the first time in history. Dina Sharana dd, the GBC representative for Germany, also attended. Right from the beginning the atmosphere was very cordial and nice. The open and honest gatherings with all the devotees were so exciting that even after hours no one wanted to leave, although breakfast prasadam was already waiting. One devotee after another in the big circle was invited to say something, whatever they felt in their hearts, about their experiences and realisations. Many spoke about their problems to follow all the regulative principles and about their former fears to be punished by God. Many expressed their heartfelt desire to practice Bhakti with joy and without fear. Together with many ISKCON devotees, there were disciples of Narayana Maharaja, Sadhu Maharaja, Srila Prabhupada, Bhakti Pramod Puri Maharaja, Tripurari Maharaja, Ananta das Babaji and other Gurus. Many of them have practised Krishna consciousness for over 30 years. We experienced how simply and harmoniously we can work together without the unnecessesary boundaries of institutions. Already in 1930 Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati had written in his famous "Putana" article: "The churches have always proven to be representatives of the most gross forms of worldliness. The former intention of these established churches (religious iinstitutions) may not have been always doubtful, but we see that no religious institution was successful in spiritually uplifting the masses. Indeed, the idea of an organised church marks the end of a living spiritual movement." Therefore, I find it important that there are free Vaisnava meetings, independent from any religious institutions. We are happy that we could also revive and contribute substantially to the project Goloka Dhama. We had a seminar called "Free Bhakti" from Ram das (author of several interesting books on this subject matter, backed up by many astonishing quotes from the scriptures) on how we can practice bhakti free from neurotic fears. facilitated a seminar called "Liberation from painful beliefs and thought patterns", whilst Krishna Candra spoke about "Fundamentalism and the interpretation of the scriptures in Krishna consciousness". Evening bhajanas went on for hours. The cooking, the prasadam distribution and the cleaning up scarcely needed to be organized, since all shared the spirit of serving together. No one felt overburdened, and everyone donated generously. The final "talking circle" on Monday morning was especially moving, and devotees expressed their feelings that the Vaisnava community has grown out of the institutional boundaries into a new era of cooperation. It is unnecessary to defend the truth, since it is self-effulgent. All reported they felt the strong urge to have exchanges with other devotees irrespective of which line they came from. Our common ground is overwhelming, and those who had been worried about how this could take place in peace and harmony soon felt that no one had any bad intentions. This "Meeting of Companions on the Journey" was certainly an important step towards reducing fears through having deep exchanges with others and towards a positive Krishna conscious future. Spiritual sanga flourishes when those who come together have enough integrity ant maturity not to be threatened by the developed individuality of the others. For some on the spiritual path, the individual learning-and-growing process of other souls is perceived as a threat, and human beings can get aggressive when they feel attacked, especially when they are fundamentalist and fear that their religious dogmas are being questioned. Having association based on these principles, the ongoing judging of others does not take place, because individuality is really experienced, so that of others is not felt as a threat. This enables one to really openly search for the truth, for Radha and Krishna. In religious institutions the other group members are often experienced as restrictive and judgmental; thus one's own thinking and feeling becomes restricted. For fulfilling exchanges and personal developement one has to overcome the feeling of being dependant on a group or institution, but rather develop one's indivudual relationship with God. It requires a strong basis of one's own experiences and respect for the inner track of life, internal conscience (The Latin word for being deaf to the inner guidance is ab-surdus). The conscience of the heart is likely to go beyond the norms and forms of religious institutions.
Many senior devotees expressed that they had practically lost hope but that this gathering was a breakthrough that had greatly encouraged them. Unanimously, the desire was expressed to have more such free Vaisnava meetings. The next one is already planned for Radhastami, from Sept. 5 to Sept. 7, 2008.
Romapada Swami gave a keynote talk entitled "Spiritual Economics; Relevance to the Bhagavatam". He and Devamrta Swami are apparently getting keen response to their preaching on Ecology. As one writer said, "Environmentalism is the new religion." The relevant files can be downloaded from his web site at www.romapadaswami.com/SE.
Amarendra the attorney spoke of the bylaws issue. He said the GBC's only concern in urging the temples to adopt the bylaws was to preserve the ecclesiastical integrity of the temples, as stated in Article 4. Temples which were and continue to be established on behalf of Prabhupada's mission should not be be coopted later by board members who want to take them in a different direction. He gave the examples of Long Island and Fullerton. In answer to concerns the new bylaws might make some temples liable for the mistakes of others, he said there is almost no "alter ego' liability there, and gave examples. Rabindra Svarup gave a scholarly presentation called, "The Hierarchical Nature of ISKCON." There was a nice proposal to train new leadership in America. Tamohar, Kuladri and Anuttama explained the rough idea to hold three two week training sessions annually for two years, after which candidates should have all the skills to assume leadership roles. The content ot the training sessions was described as "one part spiritual, two parts managerial." They hope to start in North America in the fall. Temples could assist by identifying future leaders, sending them to the sessions, subsidizing the students, and also hosting some of the training.
Sunday morning's Bhagavatam class was given by Trivikram Swami. Every morning the reigning deities Radha Vrndavanchandra were bedecked with garlands of locally grown aromatic lilacs.
Incidentally, Manu informed Caru that the Youth Bus program will visit Utah on a Friday evening July 25. The youth do a Bharat Natyam program headed by Annapayini and a drama called Karna and Kunti. It will be a great evening. Caru assured him he will promote it as much as possible. Ramabhadra showed samples of the new Kalashas for this year's Janmastami fund raisers.
Kuladri spoke of the Youth Fund, particularly praising Svavasa and Los Angeles temple for their unselfish contributions.
Caru missed the lunch at the temple to go with Balabhadra to the ISCOWP (International Society for Cow Protection) farm. He spent some time with the cows, which were totally free from fear of humans. Balabhadra has recently acquired two pairs of oxen. He will train them to plow and pull an ox cart, thus replacing the famous Braj and Gita, who traveled over America with Pada Yatra.
Kuladri showed Caru 13 vinyl banners 6 feet high and 4 feet wide, which tell the story of Prabhupada. Caru bought them for $400.00 deeming they will be perfect for the exhibit hall presently under construction in Utah. The existing exhibits on vegetarianism, reincarnation etc., are exactly the same size. Sunday morning's Bhagavatam class was given by Romapada Swami. The meetings began with a discussion of a Pastoral Abuse policy.
Anuttama encouraged devotees to write for iskconnews.com, the great editorializing web site for the movement.
A few of them.... 1) There are 300 students in the Mayapur (West Bengal) gurukula, half of whom are Muslims. One of the young Muslim students memorized the entire Bhagavad Gita. 2) The Moscow temple will break ground in October. 3) The Vedic Planetarium in Mayapur, which will cost 30 million dollars, has 20 million already pledged.
4) Badrinarayan told of how hopeless it seemed in the old days to introduce Krishna Consciousness in China. Tamal Krishna Maharaj would have almost given up had not the first Chinese devotee been named U Chan Ting. Now Bhagavad Gitas have been printed in Chinese, legally by the government, and will be sold in government bookstores.
6) There was a recent Ratha Yatra in Saudi Arabia (arranged by private invitation in a skating rink) which was attended by 3,000 people, 7) India temples sold 1.5 million Bhagavad Gitas last year. 8) In Hungary, on their tax returns, people can check one of four churches, to whom the government will give one per cent of that individual's tax moneys: Catholic, Lutheran, one other (forget) and Hare Krishnas. Last year the Krishna Consciousness Society received from the Hungarian government a check for one million dollars! A standing ovation that weekend was received by the lady cooks who did a superlative job. They kept the leaders well nourished, not only at the regular meals, but at the snack table in the meeting hall. This was always copiously laden with herbal teas, samosas, brownies, cakes, and cookies. Malati and all the New Vrndavan devotees were gracious hosts, especially considering they were under pressure to mount the Festival of Inspiration for an influx of 700 devotees five days hence (May 9-11).
Click Here
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. Thank you.
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. Windows and doors have been installed in the new building thanks to the efforts of John and Christina, and an anonymous donation which also paid for the balance of the mortgage on the house on the hill. Yogarupini DD made it possible to have the temple painted beautifully with the help of Gokularanjana and Colleen, Christie and Rob, John and Christina, and Rama and Murali. More devotees are inquiring about moving to Murari. We are now in need of fixing one of the cabins to accommodate a very expert gardener who feels very enthusiastic about establishing a good sized garden for Sri Sri Nitai Gaurachandra and the community. Christie is starting the Murari Gift Shop. Don't forget to stop by and visit the table!
We have also started a yoga class, which is held two Sundays a month, taught
by Terry Koutney. Simple accommodations are available and plans are in the
works for more cabins. Let's take an opportunity to interrupt our material
life and come visit Sri Sri Nitai Gaurachandra.
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.
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