the cows gallop out for spring! - bhaktivedanta manor – … 2 bhaktivedanta manor newsletter may...

May

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Dedicated to His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder-Acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness

Srila Prabhupada:

The five products received from the cow, namely milk, yogurt, ghee, cow dung and cow urine, are required in all ritualistic ceremonies performed according to the Vedic directions. Since even the urine and dung of a cow are important, we can just imagine how impotant this animal is for human civilisation...Civilized men who follow the system of varnashrama, especially those of the vaisya class, who engage in agriculture and trade, must give protection to the cows.

SB: 8.8.11 Purport

The cows gallop out for spring!

Krishna Consciousness Societies (‘KC Socs’) are now run at twenty universities across the country. With weekly interactive discussions on diverse topics, students are given the opportunity to discover spiritual solutions to material problems. And for those who want to explore the philosophy of Krishna Consciousness in greater depth, events are organised which provide a platform for them.At the ‘Balance’ retreat, students from UCL, Warwick, Kings, City, QMUL, Leicester, Portsmouth and Brunel were warmly welcomed to the Manor and enjoyed a rollercoaster day of activity. Bhuta Bhavana das opened by introducing the students to the Temple shrine– the students were given insights into the Vaisnava traditions that allow devotees to build their relationship with Lord Krishna through the physical manifestion of His Deity form. The following sessions included a workshop on the ‘Fire of Desire’ and a presentation on “The Bhagavad Gita: As easy as 1,2,3” – both

making the core messages of Krishna Consciousness accessible and practical. Students were then given the opportunity to milk and feed the cows.

Univers ity students congregate at the Manor

Every spring, all our cows and bulls are let out into the pasturing fields after being sheltered inside for the entire winter.Letting the cows out is an entertaining experience for both cows and onlookers alike. The cows are so overjoyed at being outside again that they kick their hind legs in the air like horses and gallop across the fields! Not only can they roam freely, but with the onset of spring they are also able to feast on the fresh grass.

Congratulations to David Cameron Brtain's new Prime Minister

...continued on page 2

Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter May 2010

The excitement continued in a cooking demonstration on how to prepare a quick and cheap vegetarian student meal…naturally leading into a delicious lunch! The day ended with back to back workshops, ‘Balance: Mind, Body and Soul’ and ‘Mantra Meditation’ – voted by the students as the favourite session of the day. It started out with chanting on japa beads, creating a wonderfully calming experience for the young active minds!. Next followed a soft

kirtan, which eventually, and perhaps inevitably,erupted into a dance just as the sunlight was fading. Presidents of the KC Socs are considered to be true ‘Spiritual Warriors’ and leaders-in-training. Not only do they juggle their studies, exams, part-time work, family and social obligations, but they all make time to organise weekly sessions, special events, festivals and retreats.Our appreciations to Sandipan Krishna das who organised the event.

On 23rd April Amekhala devi dasi passed away surrounded by many of her friends. Becoming a disciple of Srila Prabhupada in 1974, she was a prominent member of the Bhaktivedanta Manor community and was mother to five children. Shortly after her passing, numerous devotees came forward to share their moving and affectionate tributes to her life, her personality and her loyalty."Amekhala had hundreds of devotees pass through the hospice in the last few days she was here. She wanted, of course, that her leaving in the UK be a reason for everyone to come to Bhaktivedanta Manor to glorify Srila Prabhupada, a way to bring the community together. That was

something very important to her.Her strength and conviction always amazed me. It was one of her most attractive qualities. She always remained positive in her life despite many very difficult circumstances. She used that experience to try and help others with their own hardships in the most caring way.I am happy knowing Amekhala devi dasi passed her final test and has given me tools to help me pass mine. Her example will be appreciated by so many for the rest of their lives. I am one of them.

Srutakirti das"The passing of Amekhala is a testimony of the shelter and compassion that Srila Prabhupada has bestowed upon us all. She was his unalloyed spiritual daughter, and we witnessed Srila Prabhupada’s unconditional love by having her surrounded by devotees, and devotees everywhere praying for her final journey. Krishna in His kindness reciprocated with her commitment to always get devotees together at the

lotus feet of her spiritual master. This she did with remarkable dedication and fortitude. May Lord Caitanya and Lord Nityananda forever keep her at Their lotus feet."

Visvadevi devi dasi"Amekhala was a kind, compassionate and good person at heart. Understanding the most exalted position of Srila Prabhupada means understanding the position of those who serve him with every breath, even their last one. For me, this is the parting message of our beloved Godsister Amhekala."

Patita Pavana das

Amekhala devi dasi – A Tribute

Univers i ty students congregate at the Manor...continued from frontpage

The Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams met Srutidharma das and other faith leaders at the Oshwal Centre. The Archbishop spoke of the shared values that exist across religions and cultures and how working together can benefit humanity.


Lord Rama embodies all the virtues which make Him an ideal role-model for humanity - and especially those in positions of leadership in society. Throughout His life He won the hearts of His subjects through exemplary bravery, courage, kindness, sense of justice, honour, obedience, respect, compassion and adherence to dharma (religious duty).

It is no wonder that Ramanavami (the birth of Lord Rama) is such an important date in the Temple calendar. Among the special guests who attended the public festival was Dominic Grieve MP, the Justice Secretary for the Conservative Party. The Deputy Mayor of London, Richard Barnes, who also attended, showed particular interest in the New Gokul cow protection project because he himself was brought up on a farm.

The stage program was particularly successful this year as guests and pilgrims crammed into the tent for an evening’s devotional entertainment.

Thanks to the sunny weather, the Children’s Spring Festival was more highly attended than ever.

Many people would like to live in a society exemplifying the sublime teachings and virtues as practiced in Lord Rama’s kingdom. This is possible only if we implement the teachings of Krishna Consciousness in our lives.

As part of the Ramanavami festival celebrations, children of the Manor School performed a play about Lord Rama at the new Krishna Avanti School in Edgware. Afterwards Jahnavi delivered a workshop on hand mudras (gestures) as used in Bharat Natyam dancing.

The Krishna Avanti children enjoyed their experience and it proved to be a great bonding session between the two schools.

Ramnavami at Krishna Avanti School


Many new volunteers spent a day seeding up a whole field at the Manor. Compost was placed in hundreds of pots, and pumpkin, courgette, marrow, cucumber, okra, parsnip, beetroot and carrot seeds were sown.45 children and 25 adults took part, including members of the Shishukunj organisation (meaning ‘a garden of children’). Based in Finchley and Kingsbury, the organisation is dedicated to the welfare and cultural development of children. A huge amount of volunteers showed up for potato planting with 45 adults and 65 children providing invaluable service on that day. “It was very inspirational to receive the help of so many volunteers this year,” explained Head of Horticulture Krishna Caitanya das. “We benefit so much from their participation. They are welcome to come to the fields and see the results of their work.”If you are interested in volunteering please apply online: www.manorvolunteering.com

Record numbers plant seeds of devotion

During the auspicious month of Purushottama, on the eleventh day of the waxing phase of the moon, known as Padmini Ekadasi, fifty candidates received initiation from His Holiness Radhanath Swami, a spiritual teacher and travelling monk, author of the autobiographical “The Journey Home.” The following is a personal account by Janak Rajani - one of the fifty candidates that day:-

Having paid my respects, it was now my turn to go forward and receive initiation from His Holiness Radhanath Swami. I moved closer and sat within earshot of him, as he looked upon me with keen attention and focus. The world around me froze – and I was conscious only of Radhanath Swami sitting before me, the beautiful painting of Srila Prabhupada that graced the wall above him, and Sri Sri Radha-Gokulananda, who lovingly graced us with Their beautiful smiles - this despite being in a temple room full of loving friends, family and well-wishers. As I proceeded to offer my vows of commitment, first to the process of Krishna consciousness, and then to Srila Prabhupada’s family of ISKCON.

Initiation is a relationship between three persons; namely Lord Krishna, the spiritual teacher and the aspiring student. Relationship means commitment, responsibility and love. Vows are made by the aspiring spiritual student to strive to adhere to principles that will help him on his spiritual journey, a journey to uncover his dormant loving relationship with Krishna. Why are vows necessary? It is for the spiritual teacher to understand, “Oh, this student is serious.” Witnessed by the spiritual master, as well as the community of loving devotees, and the Lord Himself, these vows give strength and the combined blessings of each witness. In return, out of his generosity and compassion, the guru, or spiritual teacher takes on a life-long responsibility to teach the student to become more serious still. Radhanath Swami spoke to me as follows, “On behalf of Srila Prabhupada, I am honoured to give

you the name Jagannath Sharan das.” As I reached forward to gratefully receive my new chanting beads in the palm of my hands, I once again became aware of the world around me as the devotees shouted out blessings and cheers.

So how does it feel to be initiated? A few weeks have passed since the day itself, and I am constantly reminded that I have been blessed with an extended spiritual family of brothers, sisters, aunties, uncles and cousins. By the encouragement and support of this loving family of devotees I hope to traverse through the exciting spiritual adventure that lies ahead of me.

Initiation – A personal commitment - By Jagannath Sharan das


The first Vaishnava Resources Exhibition , organised by Kripamoya das took place at Bhaktivedanta Manor recently. It was an opportunity for creative devotees to show what they’re offering to the community and a time for networking and offering encouragement to innovative preaching. A sample of the participants included:Adi-Guru das works to present Krishna consciousness to a variety of audiences at New Age shows like the Yoga Show and Body Mind Spirit. www.pure-incense.com, www.ashram-emporium.co.uk Mayapur.tv is ISKCON’s provider of live videos over the internet. It has two other channels that operate: – ISKCONlifeTV, which has playlists of ISKCON festivals and classes; and PrabhupadaTV, which has continual classes/videos of Srila

Prabhupada. www.mayapur.tv/ The Lotus Trust aims to raise the quality of life of people throughout the UK, celebrate multiculturalism and diversity, and reach those who may be socially deprived or in isolation. The welfare arm of The Lotus Trust recently ran a Haiti Appeal, raising a substantial amount for the victims of the earthquake. www.thelotustrust.orgThe Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies (OCHS) is a Recognized Independent Centre of Oxford University. The principal aim of the Centre is the study of Hindu culture, religion, languages, literature, philosophy, history, arts and society, in all periods and in all parts of the world. www.ochs.org.uk Fitzrovia Press grew out of the work of Ranchor Prime. After publishing

a dozen books on Hinduism and spirituality, and working as an adviser to environmental projects in India and Europe, he saw the need for a publishing house bringing together these interests. www.fitzroviapress.comBhaktivedanta Book Trust was founded in 1972 by Srila Prabhupada. The BBT is the world’s largest publisher of ancient and classic Vaishnava texts, epics, and contemporary works on Vedic philosophy, theology and culture. BBT UK email: [email protected] is celebrated by devotees all over the world after being introduced to the west in 1967 in San Franscisco by Srila Prabhupada. Rathayatra is ISKCON’s biggest street festival expanding to more than 20 places in the UK. www.rathayatra.co.ukKrishna Club (in the suburbs) is a sister of the Krishna Club Sunday School, which is now in its 15th year at the Manor. Krishna Club is now in three locations: East, North and West of London.Weekend Warriors is a small street festival organized by a team of devotees from Soho Street Temple. They hold a programme every Saturday in different areas of London to support the local groups. You will regularly see them in Ealing Broadway, Croydon and Ilford. Email: [email protected] Ananta Shakti das is an accomplished ISKCON local artist whose work appears in various children’s books . Some of his work has recently appeared in the Back to Godhead magazines and he is currently working on the book called ‘Gita Stories’.

The first Vaishnava Resources Exhibition

The Weekend Warriors - heroic devotees who hit the streets across the London boroughs and beyond – continue to battle against the illusory energy with the weapons of Srila Prabhupada’s books the chanting of the Holy Names and prasad (sanctified vegetarian food) !If you would like to know more, contact Bhakta Sachin: [email protected]

Weekend Warriors fighting strong


by Krishna Dharma das

“The only constant is change.” In this world that is certainly true. Nothing stays the same, not even for a moment. All things are forever moving from one state to another. In the case of political parties and leaders that often seems to be from a state of grace to one of disgrace. Sooner or later we will inevitably tire of them and elect someone else.Those therefore hoping for election often campaign on the word ‘change’. “Change we can believe in,” was Barack Obama’s rallying cry, and now here in the UK the Conservative Party urged us to “Vote for Change.” Even Gordon Brown at a Labour party conference declared that his Party would be the “change makers” for the “many and not the few”.It’s a good platform. We all want change, an improvement to our present situation. It is a rare person who is content. Most of us are striving to make things better, our finances, job, homes, health, relationships, peace of mind or whatever. It seems to be human nature to be dissatisfied with our lot, no matter how good it may be. What do we really want though? What are we looking for? When will we finally stop struggling to change our lives? According to Vedic wisdom we are trying to get back to our original true nature, which is eternal, blissful and full of knowledge. However, we face an uphill battle as this world is described as being intrinsically the very opposite; temporary, miserable and full of ignorance. Hence science, technology, industry, indeed human endeavour in every field never ceases to embrace change as we strive to attain the

unattainable.No matter how hard we try to secure our situation and make it permanent, through building solid houses, good healthcare, strong defences and whatever, eventually everything will fall apart and we ourselves will die. “All valiant dust that builds on dust.” We may work hard to achieve a state of uninterrupted bliss, but it will be always marred by the onset of diseases, anxiety, disasters, wars, and an inventive array of miseries we inflict upon one another. And our endeavours to attain knowledge will be never ending, for there is no end to our ignorance. As it is said, the more we know the more we realise we don’t know. But we want to know. Information or knowledge - the ‘news’ - is thrust at us from all sides these days, day and night. It seems we can’t get enough.Leaders then have a real struggle on their hands to satisfy the people they lead. Unless, that is, they base their policies upon an understanding of our real spiritual nature, and how we can be restored to that happy condition. This knowledge is given in the Bhagavad-gita. First of all Krishna explains that the main change confronting us is the changing body. It is constantly transforming and bound for ultimate destruction, but the soul, the person within, is not. Through all the external changes the soul remains the same. We all have experience of our body growing through so many stages, but we know that we are still the same person. Knowing this unchanging person is self-realisation, or realising our true nature.That is the change we need, that our leaders should lead us toward; changing our consciousness. Right now we are absorbed in bodily consciousness, identifying with so many temporary designations that pertain only to the destructible body. Hence we suffer, as we also identify with all the miseries that attend the body. It is only when we are free of this false consciousness that we become free of suffering, which means reinstated in our constitutionally joyful

condition. We are not meant to suffer, and hence our never ending battle to overcome misery in all its unwanted forms. Leaders always claim that they will somehow alleviate our suffering and increase our happiness, and allured by this promise we give them our vote. But until they understand how to move us toward pure spiritual awareness they will always fall short on their promises.They need only turn to the Gita. Krishna explains that we can attain our spiritual nature by approaching him, the Supreme Spirit. One Vedic text says, “Come out of the darkness and into the light, out of ignorance and into knowledge.” Krishna is compared to the brilliant sun and when we approach him the darkness of ignorance and forgetfulness is completely dissipated. Just as the sunlight purifies all contamination so the brilliance of God purifies our contaminated consciousness and we shine forth as our eternal ecstatic selves.How to make such an approach is also explained by Krishna. “Do everything as an offering to me, for my pleasure, while always thinking of me.” That’s Krishna’s campaign slogan. A bit different from the usual message of course, which always entails somehow increasing our own pleasure, but that’s the point, before we can please ourselves we need to know who we are. If we are not the changing body there’s no point simply trying for bodily pleasure. As eternal beings we are a part of the Supreme, and his pleasure is automatically ours. The closer we get to Krishna the closer we get to our real self, our eternal identities as pure spiritual beings, full of bliss and knowledge.Somehow I doubt that our leaders’ enthusiasm for change will encompass any change in consciousness. Except that we become conscious of their undoubted eligibility for our vote. But until they incorporate Krishna’s message into their manifestos we would probably have voted for more of the same, changing only from one state of dissatisfaction to another.

VOTING FOR REAL CHANGE


Roshni VaghjianiAge: 17Studying: A-levels in Art, Economics, Geography, Maths

What did you initially find appealing about KC?

I came to the Janmastami festival in 2008 at Bhaktivedanta Manor and as I was walking through the festival field I saw the IPS banner which said ‘you have 24 hours to live…’. Being a fan of the action TV program 24, I decided to go into the IPS area and take a look. After watching the video I was invited to the next Harrow Jammin. I was nervous as I was on my own but everyone opened their arms to me and I have never stopped going ever since.

What made you start attending IPS events?

The most appealing thing about KC is how happy everyone you associate with is. It’s love that is shared between everyone together with an appreciation of the world. Also, I love the feeling of contentment after a rocking kirtan!

What services are you currently involved in?I’m helping to organise the IPS tent at Janmastami 2010. I enjoyed myself so much last year that I’m sure serving again this year will be just as much fun if not greater. Make sure you come and check it out!

Interesting fact about yourselfI do Bollywood dancing professionally and got the opportunity to be part of a European tour in which I backing danced in ten different venues in five different countries.

In this issue Madhvi Mulji explains the tradition of travelling Sri Sri Gaura-Nitai deities in ISKCON Pandava Sena (IPS)

On 03 April 2010, around 70 IPS members took part in the ceremony at the ISKCON Leicester temple to consecrate the latest set of travelling Gaura-Nitai deities – these join the several already being passed around IPS members so that they can take it turns to worship Them.

Being absolute, there is nothing that Lord Krishna cannot control and so although the deity form is made from matter, it becomes ‘spiritualised’ through following corresponding scriptural instructions. In ISKCON there is particular emphasis on engaging in the devotional service of Lord Chaitanya and Lord Nityananda, commonly referred to as ‘Gaura-Nitai’ together. They are incarnations of Lord Krishna and Lord Balaram respectively and appeared around 500 years ago in the Bengal region of the Indian subcontinent.

The tradition of travelling Gaura-Nitai deities in IPS started in 1994 to give the opportunity to learn this important aspect of Vedic culture without having to commit to looking after Them

on a long term basis. This original set now reside permanently in the home of two of group’s original members and another set of Gaura-Nitai deities are now blessing the lives of various Sena youth. Rahul Popat, who heads up deity worship for Harrow Jammin, commented “Serving Vijaya-Gauranga Dayal-Nitai [the London

IPS travelling Gaura-Nitai deities] with my sister is just amazing - it feels as though I have eternal friends who are protecting me.”

There is another set venerated by members of the IPS Krishna Consciousness Society at Aston University. Although the travelling deities worshipped in Crawley do not specifically belong to Crawley IPS, they are cared for mainly by IPS members based there.

Standards for worshipping deities vary considerably, especially between those kept at home compared to those in temples. With the IPS deities, those looking after Them are required to perform the aarti ceremony on a daily basis as well to offer Them food.

It is hoped that Gaura-Nitai continue to shower Their blessings on IPS and that more such deities can be introduced in the future.

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

jamminjamminjammin jamminjamminjammin

jammin

East - 07/05 - Mistaken IdentityHarrow - 14/05 - Power of surrenderEast - 21/05 - What planet are you from?Harrow - 28/05 - Evoloution the delusionEast - 04/06 - The Golden AvatarHarrow - 11/06 - He is forever youngEast - 18/06 - No news from GodHarrow - 25/06 - The ultimate player

Forthcoming Jammins:

For more details see wwww.psena.comSubject to change

Sharing the mercy of Gaura-Nitai

Sri Sri Vijaya-Gauranga Dayal-Nitai - the London IPS travelling Gaura-Nitai deities

We would like to congratulate the many members of IPS that made formal affirmations of their commitment to ISKCON recently in an important and natural step known as ‘initiation’, or ‘diksha’ in Sanskrit. Initiation formally marks the acceptance of a spiritual master by an aspiring disciple through which they are awarded a new spiritual name. We saw members make vows to His Holiness Radhanath Swami and we very much look forward to seeing more members taking this all important step in the future. It was particularly heartening to see that out of all of the devotees initiated recently at the Manor, although they were from around the UK and Europe, almost half of them were members of IPS.


© 2010, All articles & photographs copyright of Bhaktivedanta Manor

Calendar DatesMay 2010Sat 22 App of Sita Devi & App of Jahnava DeviMon 24 Mohini Ekadasi, National Vegetarian WeekWed 26 App of Lord Nrsimhadev (fasting till noon)June 2010Tue 1 Disapp of Sri Ramananda RayaTue 8 Apara EkadashiSun 20 London Ratha Yatra, Father's DayTue 22 Bhim Nirjala Ekadashi Thur 24 Panihati Cida Dahi Utsava

July 2010Thur 8 Yogini EkadasiSun 11 Disapp of Sri Gadadhara Pandita and Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur (Fasting till noon)Mon 12 Gundica MarjanaTue 13 Ratha Yatra (Jagannatha Puri)Wed 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)

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]

London Ratha YatraSun 20th June

Chanting at St. Patrick’s day ParadeThis was the first year the devotees were involved in London’s St. Patrick’s day Parade in London. Embracing the festive mood, Parasuram das and friends wore costumes and some even performed acrobatics! It was a great opportunity to make the Hare Krishna mantra more famous and meet new people.

©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...

Andrew FeldmanThe Chief Executive of the Conservative Party, Mr Andrew Feldman, enjoyed his visit to Bhaktivedanta Manor. He studied at the Haberdashers' Aske's Boys' School in Elstree, lived in Bushey and has a variety of other local connections. He was invited to the Temple by Dolar Popat , a business entrepreneur and philanthropist.

the cows gallop out for spring! - bhaktivedanta manor – … 2 bhaktivedanta manor newsletter may...

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