Sunday 29 December 2013

I have my four children; how I can leave them…and do this!

Nara Narayana Dasa recalls:

It was Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur disappearance day. Srila Prabhupada described that he had been going on and on for many many years. His spiritual master had instructed him to spread Krishna Consciousness in the western world. In a sense it was only a few words that had been given: ‘You should go and spread Krishna Consciousness in the western world in English language’. Many many years had passed, and Srila Prabhupada had been making plans to raise money through pharmaceutical etc to do this, and then his pharmacy burnt down…

But at some point Srila Prabhupada said that he began to see his spiritual master in dreams; his spiritual master was saying, ‘It’s time to go!’

Srila Prabhupada looked around at the 10 or 15 devotees surrounding him at the time, and said, “I was thinking, ‘How I can leave my children! I have my four children; how I can leave them…and do this!’”

And then Srila Prabhupada looked out and it seemed that tears were shooting from his eyes. As he looked around his eyes were shining and he said, “But now I have got so many children!”

And from the way he said it he gave almost the impression that the world had gathered inside that tiny little room in Seattle.

Somehow, for us there was never any question that there would be a huge world movement; at that time there was probably less than 70 devotees in the entire movement!

Saturday 28 December 2013

Panihati pots

Here are 38 of this year's Panihati pots.

“That’s very good! They’re calling everyone to prayer”

Manjari Devi Dasi remembers:

It was summer time in Iran. Srila Prabhupada was there for Lord Balarama’s appearance day. At that time it was very hot; all the flowers were blooming and it was very nice atmosphere. At a one point Srila Prabhupada called it Bhusvarga: heaven on earth! He liked it very much.

Iran is a Muslim country; they have what’s called ‘namaz’: a call to prayer 3 times a day, coinciding with Gayatri times. They have over the loudspeakers a kind of a chant that’s calling everybody to prayers. So Srila Prabhupada was sitting on the balcony. While the namaz was going on he listened to it; he turned to Atreya and asked, “What is this?”

Atreya replied, “This is namaz, it is the Muslims’ call to pray to God. They are saying the names of God: He who is the most merciful, the most compassionate, and so on”.

Srila Prabhupada responded, “That’s very good! They’re calling everyone to prayer”.

“But”, Atreya said, “Srila Prabhupada isn’t better that we pray and take the names of Krishna rather than Allah?”

Srila Prabhupada turned to Atreya, “You’re asking me to be sectarian!”

Snana Yatra 2013

This year's Snana Yatra festival was simply wonderful!

We were blessed with the visit of Jayapataka Maharaja and his enlivening entourage.
The Deities' bathing ceremony was most grandiose, and the atmosphere that prevailed surcharged with joyous festivity.

Here are some photos of the day...more to come soon!

Friday 27 December 2013

True to Madhavacarya's teachings

Radhanath Swami relates:

A few years ago, it was the 700th birthday of Madhavacarya.
There was a big big celebration at his birth place, Pancakara-ksetra, near Udupi. All the big big acaryas and gurus of the Madhavacarya sampradaya were assembled. In South India they are considered the most strict and authorised vaisnavas. I think in 700 years not a single of their sannyasi has ever fallen down! They’re very very strict and very learned scholars. There was a raised platform and all of these acaryas were there. And there were thousands and thousands and thousands of their disciples and people who were gathered. The biggest most famous and influential of the acaryas spoke.

So he first spoke the glories of Madhavacarya. And then he began to glorify Srila Prabhupada! He said, “Madhavacarya’s teachings never left the shores of India until his Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada took them to the whole world. He has taken the pure teachings of the Bhagavat and the Bhagavad Gita to every continent; practically to every city in the entire planet earth. And he has not in any way compromised the purest teachings of Sanatana Dharma.”

He went on and on, and he concluded by saying, pointing to every other Madhava acaryas on the stage, “All of us put together, if we are all made into one person, we do not equal one grain of dust at the lotus feet of even a single one of Srila Prabhupada’s disciples who are spreading this message all over the world!”

Tuesday 24 December 2013

The factual Messiah who could save us all from doom

Below is a song and poem sung by Madhudvisa Dasa during the 1996 ' Srila Prabhupada Festival' in Los Angeles:

“Under the bowers of a jack fruit, about a 100 years ago
in a little house near Calcutta, a most unlikely place I know
But t’was there that Mahaprabhu would spread His nama far and wide
Siddhanta Saraswati did preach there and reside”

‘A most important day it was in the sorry sad world of men,
where millions had been killed in wars, been killed and born again
Been born again to suffer in the sea of pain and strife
A most important day it was, the dawn of new life’

“Under the bowers  of a jack fruit about a 100 years ago
In a little house near Calcutta, a most unlikely place I know
But it was there that history would spread our ISKCON far and wide
A boy was born that quiet morn’ with Krishna on his side”

‘It was he who brought the Krishna bhakti to the west
To the western world, which was of true religion, quite divest
Received this sacred knowledge of soul and God from him
Oh Srila Prabhupada who filled our hearts with nectar to the brim’

“Under the bowers of a jack fruit about a 100 years ago
In a little house near Calcutta, where the Ganges waves did flow
The day after Krishna’s birthday he came forth from his mother’s womb
The factual Messiah who could save us all from doom”

‘Our cup of life was empty and our future hope was dark and dim
Come Prabhupada to save us; bow to him, bow to him!’

“Under the bowers of a jack fruit, about a 100 years ago
in a little house near Calcutta, a most unlikely place I know
But t’was there that Mahaprabhu would spread His nama far and wide
Siddhanta Saraswati did preach there and reside”.

 

Monday 23 December 2013

Then again, Jesus was born in a barn!

Prthu Dasa recalls:

I was sitting on a bench near that Hippie Hill in San Francisco; I was chanting my rounds.

A very old black man came by.
He came up to me and said, “That old man who started this thing, he was a cool catch!
I was living in the bowery and he was living in a house there. It was a complete mess.
Then again, Jesus was born in a barn!”

Then he walked away.

Sunday 22 December 2013

Book Distribution Nectar

Tamal Krishna Goswami narrates:

At that time, first and second canto of Bhagavatam and Bhagavad Gita especially Srila Prabhupada wanted to get printed.

He liked the book distribution we were doing; we were distributing many many books with the Radha Damodara party.  At one point I complained, "Srila Prabhupada, they can't keep up with our distribution."

Srila Prabhupada repllied, "All right don't worry. They are publishing 20,000 at a time; I will instruct them to print 50,000!
But one thing is: although they can't keep up with you, you can't keep up with me! Because I'm 2 cantos ahead of you both! So I am ahead of both of you!"

Tamal Krsna Goswami smiled sweetly, "Srila Prabhupada got into the competitive mood".

2014 Gaura Purnima FOLK News Online

2014 Gaura Purnima FOLK news is online now. The print edition should arrive in your letter boxes by the end of the week.

2014 Gaura Purnima Folk cover 2

In this edition you can read about the inner meanings of Ratha Yatra and book distribution, the first Nityananda-abhisheka and Gaura Purnima Festivals, about Srila Prabhupada’s cooking and the new stage of our Care for Cows Program.

As always, there’s a lot going on at the temple and we want you to share in the fun. A great highlight of Gaura Purnima season will be The Festival of The Chariots at St. Kilda on St. Kilda Festival Sunday, February the 9th. Lord Jagannatha’s Chariot Parade will begin at 1pm, and our Vedic Village will run from 10am till 9pm. We are negotiating with special guests to make this a festival you will not want to miss, so watch out for details.

There are a few special events leading up to Lord Caitanya’s Appearance on Sunday March the 16th: the Appearance of Sri Advaita Acharya on Thursday February the 6th and the Appearance of Lord Nityananda on Wednesday February the 12th. Then on Wednesday April the 9th, we’ll celebrate Lord Ramacandra’s Appearance, followed by Lord Nrsimha’s Appearance on Wednesday May the 14th. Please check the festival page for details and mark them in your diary. We’d like you to enjoy all of these celebrations.

Hare Krishna Valley is planning a weekend retreat with Devamrta Maharaja (February 1st-2nd) and a Mens’ Retreat (March 28-30th). A new season highlight at the Valley will be The Festival of Colours on Sunday April the 27th. The Festival of Colours celebrates Holi: with colour throwing, a Sound Stage featuring Sri Prahlada & Band and a Vedic Village hosting prasadam distribution and body painting. Special VIPs are being confirmed as we go to press: keep an eye out in January for updates.

You can find news of special visitors to Melbourne Temple between February and May here in 'Upcoming Events.'

If you would like to help with our transcendental celebrations, please contact Member Services on 9699-5122.

Thursday 19 December 2013

Book Distribution Nectar

Brajendranandana Dasa remembers:

During their darsana regarding distributing books in the subways, Bali Mardana Prabhu asked, “Srila Prabhupada, they are saying they are from Apple Records is that ok?”

Srila Prabhupada pretended not to hear, or at least externally he seemed not to have heard, “Do not sell records! Sell books!"

Bali Mardana quickly replied, “No, no Srila Prabhupada, they are saying they are from Apple Records and they are selling books. Is that ok?"

Srila Prabhupada laughed “It’s like Rupa Goswami said: ‘First make them Krishna conscious then give them the rules and regulations.’ Somehow or another get them to take a book and to utter the word ‘Krishna’”.

 

Wednesday 18 December 2013

Book Distribution Nectar

Urvasi Dasi recalls:

It was in Chicago. Srila Prabhupada was at the temple, getting ready to leave for the airport.

It was just after that very controversial press conference where Srila Prabhupada had commented that it was scientifically proven that men had 64 ounce brains while women had 32 ounce brains.

We were distributing big books at the temple when Srila Prabhupada was leaving. Srila Prabhupada looked over and saw one of the Matajis distributing big books. And he smiled.

With this huge grin he said to the devotee next to him, “My women disciples, they have 64 ounce brains” and laughed.

Tuesday 17 December 2013

Book Distribution Nectar

Brajendranandana Dasa recalls:

The Sankirtana party went into Srila Prabhupada’s room before going out that day.

One devotee declared, “ Srila Prabhupada, they are going out in the subways everyday. Even before they make an announcement people are giving a donation.”

Srila Prabhupada was very pleased, “Oh! That is love. Just a little boy; he brings his shoes to his father without being asked.”

With such an amazing look of compassion he continued, “Therefore you should them, they are suffering because they have forgotten to bring their love to Krishna.”

The next time I had the opportunity to go unto the trains I actually said that; I started getting the largest donations out of everybody else at the temple!

Book Distribution Nectar

Kesava Dasa (joined the Los Angeles Temple in 1969) remembers:

Sometimes Srila Prabhupada would stay up late;  when we would come back from Sankirtan at around 11:30pm, he would still be up. Garga Muni would say: "Srila Prabhupada wants to see you", and I’d run up.

Srila Prabhupada enquiried:

“How many books did you sell? How did it go? Who were the people? And what did you say to sell them?”

I used to always tell the people exactly what I’d been hearing in the classes.
'This is a Bible from India and it will explain to you better about your past lives and goals...'

And Srila Prabhupada was very specific; if you just said something and it was lacking a little bit of substance, nothing escaped him.

My recollections of Srila Prabhupada was that he was such a detailed person. Srila Prabhupada wanted to know what I was telling to people. And he approved: I was listening in the classes in the morning and I was saying the same things. He approved.
But he wanted to know precisely what I was telling people and how it was that I was able to move those books.

Thursday 12 December 2013

Book Distribution Nectar

Mulaprakriti Dasi recounts:

"Srila Prabhupada commented that in this age it was actually a benefit to be a woman to be able to preach.  In Kali Yuga, it is so degraded that people don’t trust men!"

Srila Prabhupada said, “No! Nobody will allow a man to come up to them hardly. They will never allow a man to knock on their door and open the door. "

Srila Prabhupada told a story about when he was a young man, they were selling this hair oil, a Brahmi hair oil. So they would send these young women, respectable young women door to door. Then everybody would open the door and buy this brahmi hair oil.

Srila Prabhupada laughed, “It was not even ever proven that this Brahmi hair oil had any medicinal properties!...
As women, this is Lord Caitanya’s plan that He is sending all these nice young women.
So you can help these poor conditioned souls so back to Godhead!”



Monday 9 December 2013

Book Distribution Nectar

Tripurari Maharaja recounts:

"Srila Prabhupada didn't teach me: 'now you say this, now you say that.'
Once I told Srila Prabhupada that the devotees were asking me: 'what are your techniques for selling books?'"

Srila Prabhupada, inquisitively leaned forward, "What do you tell them?"

Tripurari Maharaja's answer was, "I told them: 'You have to follow the regulative principles very strictly, and read, and chant!'"

Srila Prabhupada pleasingly replied, "Yes! This is our only technique."

Thursday 5 December 2013

Book Distribution Nectar

Mulaprakriti Dasi remembers this pastime about her book distribution reports to Srila Prabhupada:

“First Srila Prabhupada asked, 'what did we say?'.”

So Mulaprakriti Dasi explained that she would tell the person, “You look like a spiritual person... This is a book from ancient India... It has so much knowledge...”

Srila Prabhupada pulled out the Srimad Bhagavatam and read the verse:
'This Bhagavad Purana is as brilliant as the sun'.
Srila Prabhupada read very slowly and very carefully.

He said, “If you just tell people this one verse, it is so wonderful! How could they resist!”

Srila Prabhupada continued, “You don’t need to say anything apart from that; the Srimad Bhagavatam will sell itself!”

Wednesday 4 December 2013

Book Distribution Nectar

Srila Prabhupada gave Gopavrndapala Dasa some hints on book distribution:

“Teach the book distributors how to be sincere. That is the essence of book distribution and preaching.”

Preaching depends on circumstances. In dealing with different persons you will have a different audience. Therefore there’s no static way of distributing a book, to preach.

“By teaching the devotees to be sincere,” and Srila Prabhupada made a graceful sweeping gesture to point to his heart, “the real teacher…from within…will them information according to circumstances! He will teach them how to distribute the books.”

Monday 2 December 2013

Book Distribution Nectar

Mulaprakriti Dasi recalls:

"Srila Prabhupada was in Hawaii and called me in his room as he wanted to talk about book distribution.
Srila Prabhupada asked all sorts of questions: 'How do people like the books? What kind of people were taking the books? What did you tell them?'
It seems that it was his favorite topic; he was so joyful!", Mataji noted.

“So what type of people are taking the books?”, Srila Prabhupada asked.

Mulaprakriti Dasi strained her mind, “Well doctors… young people…diplomats…”

Srila Prabhupada exclaimed, “Diplomats?! What countries?”

Mulaprakriti Dasi tried to go down the list of everyone that had ever taken a book. At one point she said, “Someone took a book from Albania.”

Srila Prabhupada was delighted, “Albania! That’s behind the iron curtain!”

Mulaprakriti Dasi responded, “Yes Srila Prabhupada. They take it in their suitcase; because they have diplomatic immunity, no one can open the suitcase!”

Srila Prabhupada leaned back and  started to laugh, “Ahh we cannot go but Lord Caitanya can go!”

Wednesday 27 November 2013

Book Distribution Nectar

Tripurari Swami recalls:

Srila Prabhupada asked, "So! What are they saying. What are their arguments for not buying our Krishna consciousness books."

Maharaja replied, "They're saying that we are parasites; that we are simply leaching off the society and not contributing anything to society."

Srila Prabhupada retorted, "So! you tell them: 'Stop giving!... But you can't!'"

Maharaja pondered, "That's all he said but it was very profound.The point was you say we are parasites, well then stop giving.
But someone else is supplying us. This sankirtan movement is going on not because you're supporting us, you're not benefiting us by participating.
The support is coming from above; Krishna is in the background. He's supplying, He's supporting."

Tuesday 26 November 2013

Book Distribution Nectar

Gopavrndapala Dasa remembers informing Srila Prabhupada that he encountered one problem while distributing books:

"People say that the only time they see us is when we’re hunting their money or we’re trying to give them some of our books. They don’t know us other than that, in essence."

Srila Prabhupada’s response was typically insightful. With a query-like look on his face, he frowned:

“No! No! They shouldn’t think like this. You should tell them that they can be with you 24hours a day!

Tell them: ‘There’s no reason not to be with me. You can be with me 24hours a day! You come with me and stay with me 24hours a day; come live where I live and see me and in that way you can get to know me. And after 3 days, after 3 days of staying with me like that, you’ll become like me!'”

Gopavrndapala Dasa reflects:
"The lesson we learnt from that is, in essence, our example is just as important as our individual one-on-one preaching on the streets, as well as our book distribution.

Monday 25 November 2013

Book Distribution Nectar

Tripurari Swami remembers:

Gopavrindapala Dasa approached Srila Prabhupada, suggesting that book distribution should be done in a systematic way. Whilst Srila Prabhupada appreciated his sincerity and concern for making preaching very nice, Srila Prabhupada deliberated:
‘the systematic way he was proposing is a little artificial.'

Srila Prabhupada’s main point was that preaching is a spontaneous affair, and he gave the example,
"Just like our Tripurari Maharaja. Krsna is giving him so many nice things to say within his heart. And he's saying them, and books are selling.
So each devotee will get inspiration from within, from within their heart and in this way Krishna consciousness will be spread.”

Sunday 24 November 2013

Tulasi Skirt

Adya Dasa recalls:

My wife and myself used to love cooking in the kitchen in Manhattan temple.
One day, Srila Prabhupada was arriving next day, and we were told to make Tulasi skirt. My wife didn't know in those days how to sew; we had received an assignment that we couldn't do!

Regardless, we took that assignment, my wise especially, stayed the whole night making that Tulasi skirt for Srila Prabhupada's Tulasi. We come in the morning with the Tulasi skirt. The devotee looks at it and says,
"Oh! This is a terrible job! How could you do like this? Don't you have any sense!"

My wife started crying and crying. And I was hurt!
I didn't know what to do. But we put the Tulasi skirt on anyway. And we are sitting all broken-hearted, thinking, 'what offense we did!'

So time goes by; we're all waiting for Srila Prabhupada to come.
Finally Srila Prabhupada walks into the room and the very first statement he makes is: "What a beautiful Tulasi skirt!"

Saturday 23 November 2013

Three ways to fly!

Suresvara Dasa relates:

It was September 1972.

Srila Prabhupada was flying into Dallas to install SS Radha Kalachandji. He arrives at the airport by American Airlines; we usher him in the VIP room.
As Srila Prabhupada sits on a make-shift dais he immediately starts talking about: 'the three ways to fly!'
He just sits on he's seat and said: "So, there are three ways to fly!"

So the reporters are all present, and immediately noted on their pads: 'three ways to fly!'
I'm standing right next to this woman reporter and I kept looking at her pad.

"Yes", Srila Prabhupada starts, "pigeon... (he didn't say swan, he said pigeon!), mantra and machine!"
"Formerly, people knew the art of training pigeons." They would just get in the pigeons and just fly.
So the woman report notes on her pad: 'pigeon'.

"Then mantra. Simply by vibrating mantra, the yogi knew how to ride on the sound."
So the lady reporter continues to note down: 'mantra'. And all the other reporters are writing it down.
"And then machine!"

By that time, the lady reporter shoots up her hand and asked: "So Swami, if you know all these different ways to fly, then why did you choose to fly American Airlines today?"

Srila Prabhupada replied, with his eyes open wide, "To be one with YOU!"
The lady reported turned to Suresvara Prabhu and said, "I like that man!"

Friday 22 November 2013

He just remained serious until the last morsel was being finished

This is Joan Suval's concluding narration of Srila Prabhupada's pastimes in New York,1965, at Dr Misra's Ananda Ashrama:

"I guess because he did a lot of travelling on his own, he had become self-sufficient in the kitchen.

He also loved, absolutely loved, to make meals for Guruji (Dr. Misra). He would make a lot of food. So we knew when Swamiji (Srila Prabhupada) was cooking that he could serve about twenty people, although he was cooking mainly for Guruji.

And we would gather around as he was cooking; we wanted to learn from him, what he was doing. So we would ask him questions and he wouldn't answer because he was totally absorbed in his moment to moment activity.

Although we were in a happy mood because we were anticipating a lovely meal, and being with the two of them, he just remained serious until the last morsel was being finished."

Wednesday 20 November 2013

He was just one pointed in everything he did!

This is a continuation of Joan Suval's recollection of Srila Prabhupada at the Ananda Ashram of Dr. Misra in New York, 1965:

He was serious only when he was chanting, or talking about Krishna consciousness. But when he was relating to people, and certainly relating to Guruji (Dr. Misra), his face would light up, he had a radiance. Because he was happy! When Swamiji (Srila Prabhupada) was happy it showed...

He was just one pointed in everything he did!
It was felt about him: he was a deeply serious man. Serious about life.

He never talked about his past, his personal life. I did ask him once or twice, a question here and there, and he waved it away: "not important, that's not important" and then I began to feel that it wasn't important. What was important was what he was doing now!

Tuesday 19 November 2013

"He lost all sense of time and space, every time he chanted!"

It was 1965, New York. Joan Suval remembers Srila Prabhupada at the Ananda Ashrama of Dr Misra:

After the program of Vedantic reading and chanting, Guruji (Dr Misra) will turn over the latter part of the evening to Swamiji (Srila Prabhupada).

He would try to caution him: "Swamiji!!! Only fifteen minutes remaining, at most 20 minutes Swamiji."

Swamiji would look at him very sincerely: "I know, I know; people need rest, it is late. I will do little bit chanting."

But it was to no avail! Once Swamiji went into that divine chanting, the bhakti chanting, he lost all sense of time and space, every time he chanted!
It was so that it was not less than an hour!

And Guruji knew it! It was his joke with Swami Bhaktivedanta.

Monday 18 November 2013

"Krishna is unhappy to see that you are suffering"

Srila Prabhupada lectured on the Srimad Bhagavatam 3.26.18, in Bombay 27.12.1974:

Krishna is very much anxious because we are suffering and we are sons of Krishna. We are part and parcel of Krishna. He is unhappy to see that you are suffering.

That is natural. If the son is suffering from ailment, the father also suffers: "How the son will be cured?"

The son may not know it, but the father is suffering without having that ailment. Similarly, Krishna is the father of all living entities: aham bija-pradah pita.

Krishna says. It is not my word, but Krishna says: Sarva-yonisu kaunteya [Bg.14.4]
"All different forms of life." Sambhavanti, aham bija-pradah pita.
So Krishna is the father of everyone, and He is very much anxious for us, to get us back.

Therefore He is ordering, "You rascal, why you have created so many 'isms'? Just surrender to Me. I will give you protection. Just surrender."

.

"It is better to study the Vedas, Srimad Bhagavatam"

Balavanta Dasa recalls:

Srila Prabhupada had given a nice lecture and then began to banter with the audience; he picked out Dr Mohanti.The latter was about 40 years old at the time; young enough to be his son. Srila Prabhupada smiled very cordially and was very friendly and loving with Dr Mohanti.

Srila Prabhupada inquired, "What part of India you come from?"

"Orissa", Dr Mohanti replied, a bit proud to be an educated man; he had a PhD in biology.

Srila Prabhupada continued, "So why have you come to the USA?"

Dr Mohanti: "I am a biologist!", as if thinking: 'You have to be proud of me; I'm your countryman, I've succeeded materially. I've got my degree in biology and I am an important man, a professor! See! you have to be proud of me.'

Srila Prabhupada smiled, "Oh!...Poor frogs!"

And the room exploded in laughter.
Dr Mohanti was a nice man, so he responded in a nice way.

"But", he protested, "no no, it is for science, it is for science!"

Srila Prabhupada laughed, "Oh! We'll take YOUR body for science."

And amid the laughter, Dr Mohanti retorted, "Yes yes! I'll do, I'll do!"

Srila Prabhupada concluded, "This enquiry of science is not very important. It is better to study the Vedas, Srimad Bhagavatam!"

Sunday 17 November 2013

Stealing from Krishna

Dayananda Dasa remembers a morning walk in Dallas.

Srila Prabhupada was told that H L Hunt lived across the river to where they were walking; he was one the richest man in the USA at the time.

Srila Prabhupada questioned his disciples, "So, if you see him what will you tell him?"

Somebody replied, "We'll tell him that we have a school here and we're producing first class citizens and..."

(Since Srila Prabhupada had been talking a lot about the Dallas Gurukula, everyone thought that the reply was in context.)

But Srila Prabhupada interrupted him, "No! You will tell him he's a thief! " (...because he is stealing from Krishna)

Saturday 16 November 2013

"YOUR purpose is not strong!"

Suresvara Dasa recalls:

"After the Vyasa puja lecture, Srila Prabhupada took questions from the audience."

Srila Prabhupada had been talking about how strong maya is, so a long-haired man at the back of the room asked: "If the purpose of life is to know God, Krsna, then why is it that Maya is so strong?", as if indicating that there was a defect in Krishna's arrangement.

Without a blink or a wink, or skipping a beat, Srila Prabhupada pointed strongly at the man with vehemence and responded: "YOUR purpose is not strong!!!"

Srila Prabhupada had made this statement with such power and profundity that, not only the fellow was taken aback, but everybody present was completely blown away.

Srila Prabhupada's reply, they felt, was meant for each one of them!

Thursday 14 November 2013

"Just know who is Krishna and that is sufficient."

Balavanta Dasa recalls a Sunday feast given by Srila Prabhupada in Atlanta, which at the time was right in the middle of the Christian belt. Many Christians attended the Sunday Feast.

Srila Prabhupada gave a lecture on Christianity and had declared that Christ is our guru.

There was a fellow in the audience who was very much into the Sikhs; at the end of the class he asked, "What happens to the followers of Guru Nanak Srila Prabhupada?
Srila Prabhupada replied, "The followers of Guru Nanak are indeed fortunate."

Another fellow in the audience named Peter, was one those seekers who had studied a lot of different books. He asked, "Srila Prabhupada, who is Mera Baba?"

Srila Prabhupada retorted, "I do not know. There are so many bogus babas. Just know who is Krishna and that is sufficient.

Balavanta Prabhu remarked that Peter had been very hard to handle so far. The devotees had been preaching to him but he had proved to be very resilient.
But at that very moment, Peter surrendered to Srila Prabhupada. He eventually took initiation and Srila Prabhupada named him Parampara Dasa.

Wednesday 13 November 2013

"What the United Nations has failed to do, this movement can do"

"If people are simply induced to chant Hare Krishna mantra... Just see.
Even a child, he is taking part.

It is natural. There is no distinction between black and white, no question of language, nothing. You see practically. There is white child, black child. They do not know how to speak, but they are dancing and chanting.

So this movement is so important. Somehow or other if you can engage them in chanting and dancing, the whole world will be united. What the United Nations has failed to do, this movement can do—if it is not checked by the rascals.
But the rascals are ready to check this movement. That is the difficulty."

(Srimad Bhagavatam 3.26.18, Bombay 27.12.1974)

Tuesday 12 November 2013

"I am the dog of God"

Suresvara Dasa recounts the Vyasa Puja celebration in 1972, New Vrndavana.

Srila Prabhupada talked about the meaning of Vyasa Puja, and how the spiritual master is the humble servant of the previous acaryas and Krishna.

"The spiritual master is not God-almighty despite all the worship offered to him!"

Srila Prabhupada considered himself the dog of God.
He explained, "It is very difficult to please a big man, very difficult to approach him but if you give his dog a 2-cent lozenge then very easily he is pleased.
So I am the dog of God!
It is very difficult to please Krishna, but it's very easy to please me: just chant Hare Krishna!"

Monday 11 November 2013

"Wife is protection for husband"

Balavanta Dasa recalls going to New York to meet Srila Prabhupada.

Balavanta Prabhu was the Temple President of Atlanta Temple at that time. He noted that in those days, being Temple President meant that one could write to Srila Prabhupada. Previous to that anyone could write to Srila Prabhupada, but then he started to receive more mail that he could respond to.
Therefore it was decided that Temple Presidents would write on behalf of all the devotees under the jurisdiction of their respective temples.

"It was a great competition to become Temple President so we could write to Srila Prabhupada, and you could go wherever Srila Prabhupada was visiting, and go into his room!"

So, Balavanta Prabhu was in Srila Prabhupada's room, with other Temple Presidents.

Suddenly, Srila Prabhupada questioned them: 'Where are your wives?
Wife is protection for husband; when husband goes traveling, wife should also go!"

Sunday 10 November 2013

Srila Prabhupada, the embodiment of humility

Srila Prabhupada had asked Yadurani Dasi to replicate a painting: Lord Nrsimhadeva and Anantadeva seated on an Indian-type rug.

Yadurani Mataji needed a reference for an Indian rug and remembered that there was one in Srila Prabhupada room. It was a print on the wall, hung over the mat that Srila Prabhupada would sit on to work during the day and he would also sleep on it at night.

However, the print was too far away for Mataji to have a close look but she didn't want to step on Srila Prabhupada's mat. So she started to jump up and down to have a closer look at the print on the wall.

Srila Prabhupada took a look at her: "What are you doing?" he asked.

Yadurani replied, "I'm trying to see this picture; it's a reference for my painting, but I didn't want to step on your bed."

Srila Prabhupada's humble response was:
"In Krsna's service, you can step on my head!"

Yadurani Mataji noted how that was Srila Prabhupada's whole frame of being; he was willing to sacrifice everything to help others come to Krishna.

Saturday 9 November 2013

Srila Prabhupada's grand vision

Bhagavata dasa relates a very interesting pastime.

One morning Srila Prabhupada was talking about his vision, about his ambition for his ISKCON movement:

Srila Prabhupada first wanted to buy all the land in Mayapur, and establish a self-sufficient community in which they were completely independent of any needs from outside of the entire island of Mayapur.
Once that was established he would then declare independence from India and make his own country, the country of Mayapur.

Then his temples around the world would become embassies for the country of Mayapur, and the Temple Presidents would be ambassadors.

"And then we would print our own money", envisioned Srila Prabhupada. "I would call them 'Caitanyas': 1 Caitanya, 5 Caitanyas, 10 Caitanyas. We would our own currency. And then we will make devotional items and export them all over the world; that would be our export business!"

Friday 8 November 2013

Whenever devotees fight...

Yadurani Dasi remembers the first time she met Srila Prabhupada.

It was during that famous kirtan that 'Swamji' had in Tompkins Square Park. It was also the first time she went to the temple, straight after the kirtan.

When she reached the temple on 26 second avenue, she overheard two devotees talking about what Srila Prabhupada had said recently:

"...the swami just said that whenever devotees fight it, should be taken like clouds passing by; when clouds pass by you hardly notice it, or you don't even notice it!
So it should be taken as insignificant."

Thursday 7 November 2013

Jaya Prabhupada!

Bhakta Dasa narrates:

During the preparations for the Ratha Yatra 1970, the devotees were doing a small morning program.

While they were reciting Gurvastakam, Srila Prabhupada paid them a surprise visit. He sat on his Vyasasana and said: "Continue doing what you're doing."

At that point in the prayers, they were reciting: 'the spiritual master is very satisfied when he sees the devotees eating bhagavat prasadam.'

Suddenly Srila Prabhupada leaped from his Vyasasana, stood up with his arms outstretched and exclaimed:
"Yes!!!! That is the best part!!!!

All the devotees exclaimed, "Jaya Prabhupada!!!

Wednesday 6 November 2013

The boat of transcendence

Bhagavata Dasa asked Srila Prabhupada a question:

"Throughout your books you say that when you are a devotee you are on the transcendental platform but at the same time you talk about being affected by the mode of material nature.

And although I'm a devotee and I'm practicing the principles of devotional service, and experiencing a certain amount of transcendental pleasure, at the same time I feel affected by the modes of material nature. So how is it that I can be on the transcendental platform and still be affected by the modes of material nature?"

Srila Prabhupada explained, "It is just like being on a boat. When you're on the boat, nobody can say, 'you're not on the boat!' you're on the boat!

But...when you sail on the boat, sometimes very big waves will come and rock the boat. So your position on the boat will not be very steady.
Those waves are the modes of material nature and the boat is the transcendental platform. You're on the transcendental platform but sometimes the waves of material nature will rock the boat and your position is not steady.

So how do you become steady? Then you have to learn from the captain of the boat; that is the spiritual master. How to steer the boat. And if one learns expertly from the captain how to steer the boat then even in the greatest storm, your position on the boat will become steady."

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Tuesday 5 November 2013

'Wyndham Diwali' at Werribee Park

Below is a report from Radha Venudhari Prabhu:

"This is a brief update on our participation in the Wyndham Diwali event last Saturday (02/11/2013) at Werribee park.

It was an all-day multicultural event and our stall was open for visitors from 10 am to 8.00pm approximately. Turnaround was huge. We held Damodhara yatra and book distribution in our stall.

Hundreds of people offered lamps to the Lord while chanting the Mahamantra and hundreds took the opportunity to sit down with Caru Prabhu for his Bhagavad Gita card readings.

There was a dance and Kirtan programs performed by Bhakta Prahlad children on the main stage in the morning.
We had a display of books and devotional paraphernalia and plentiful of free prasadam-cookies distributed to thousands. We also managed to distribute a good number of books.

A big 'thank you' to Caru Prabhu for leading us all, from the beginning till the end.

Thank you Bhakta Prabhu for your suggestions and guidance along the way."

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Sunday 3 November 2013

"You must read my books everyday!"

Srila Prabhupada had just been preaching for 30 minutes to some wealthy life members in front of Tamal Krsna Goswami and Bhagavata Dasa, and now the gentlemen had just left the room.

"Can you quote the verse I just said?" Srila Prabhupada suddenly asked his two disciples.

Tamal Krsna Goswami and Bhagavata Dasa both looked at each other in dismay as neither of them knew the verse.

Srila Prabhupada retorted, "Just see! You are not reading my books!
Everyday you have to study my books; you have to study my books and learn my books just like a lawyer learns the law books. You must know everything, chapter and verse.
If you do not know, how will you preach. How will you teach these men unless you know my books?

Do you know that everyday, even I read my own books?
He asked them both, sternly, "Do you know why I read my books?"
Once again, they didn't dare to venture any answers. 20131103-152834.jpgSrila Prabhupada replied himself, "I read my books everyday because even I learn something new when I read my books!

Do you know why I learn something new when I read my books?
Because these are not my books. I do not write these books."

Bhagavata Dasa describes that when Srila Prabhupada started to speak at this moment, it was like something came over him, something so mystical.

Srila Prabhupada continued, "Every morning... when I sit here... to write my books...Krishna comes personally and He dictates to me...what to write.
So I simply take dictation from Krishna.
Therefore, when I read them, even I learn something new."

Saturday 2 November 2013

They say: "This bhakti-marga is slave mentality!"

This the continuation of yesterday's post; the lecture that Srila Prabhupada gave on the Srimad Bhagavatam 3.26.23:

Krishna talks about the materially-conditioned souls, Bhagavad Gita 15.7:

Manah sasthanindriyani prakrti-sthani karsati, mamaivamsa
"They are My part and parcel. They can live as good as I am, but unfortunately, they are undergoing a struggle for existence on account of this polluted mind."

What is that pollution? Krsna-bahirmukha hana bhoga vancha kare.
(The conditioned souls think that it is a) slave mentality.
They say, "This bhakti-marga is slave mentality.
Instead of becoming God, they want to become servant or slave of God. So this is slave mentality."

No, this is not slave mentality. This is actual liberation, because our constitutional position is to remain.
We are servant of Krishna!

(Bombay 01.01.1975)

Friday 1 November 2013

How did we fall down!

Srila Prabhupada is lecturing on the Srimad Bhagavatam 3.26.23:

"How we fell? You can trace out the history, but it is very difficult because anadi karama-phale, nobody can ascertain.

Just like when a man is diseased he goes to doctor. So when he goes to the doctor, the doctor gives him medicine according to the symptoms and the diagnosis. There is no necessity of find out the history, how he fell diseased.
There is history, but that is not possible to trace out.

Therefore it is said, anadi karama-phale...
Adi
means the creation. Before creation, I contaminated this desire, iccha-dveña samutthena."
[Bg. 7.27].

Srila Prabhupada explains that we revolted against Krishna's desires:

Krishna says, sarva-dharman parityajya mam ekam saranam vraja [Bg. 18.66], but we are revolting:
"Why? Why shall I surrender to You? This is too much You are demanding."
This is going on... This is the disease.

And to cure the disease Krishna Himself comes.
Yada yada hi dharmasya glanir bhavati, tadatmanam srjami
[Bg. 4.7].
But we are so stubborn that we won't, do not like to be cured!

(Bombay 01.01.1975)

The Ladies Are At Work For Sri Giriraja's Pleasure

The garland-making workshops are in full steam at Melbourne Mahaprabhu Mandir.

The heat is on to decorate the Temple altar and Srila Prabhupada's Vyasasana, for the occasion of Govardhana Puja tomorrow and Diwali on Sunday!

Come during the weekend to appreciate the outcome of the Matajis' expertise.

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Thursday 31 October 2013

The Unfathomable Extent Of Srila Prabhupada's Compassion

Bhakta Dasa narrates a pastime that occurred in 1972.

There was one devotee in San Francisco named Devarshi (the name might not be accurate).
Devarshi had become very famous as an expert seller of 'Back To Godhead' magazines. But somehow or other, he had a minor fall down, a sexual liaison of some sort. As a result, the Temple President of San Francisco had kicked him out of the temple.

So Devarshi was somewhat lost and was wandering around. The Temple President would call around other temples and say: "Dont let this Devarshi in! He's a rogue...".

One day, Devarshi shows up at the door of the San Diego temple. Bhakta Dasa, who was the Temple President at the time, recalls:
"I had a hard time keeping anybody out.
Srila Prabhupada was there and Devarshi was sitting on the from lawn, wanting to come in."

"Why don't you come and see Srila Prabhupada!" Bhakta Dasa offered.
So Devarshi came in and explained to Srila Prabhupada what had happened, how he wasn't welcome in the temples anymore, and nobody liked him.

Srila Prabhupada's reply to Devarshi came as a total surprise to everybody:
"You come and travel with me!"

Gokul Chaat & Snacks on Govardhan puja and Diwali

With great pleasure we would like to announce that we are having Gokul chaat and snacks stall on the day of  Govardhan puja and Diwali which is scheduled on 2nd and 3rd November respectively at Hare Krishna Melbourne temple.

Gokul chaat and snacks stall will be open on

  • Saturday Govardhan Puja  from 12 noon to 5 pm

  • Sunday Diwali from 4 pm to 8 pm


Menu:

  • Paani Puri

  • Bhel Puri

  • Sev puri

  • Dahi Puri


Gokul chaat team wishes happy Govardham Puja and Diwali.
See you soon.

Wednesday 30 October 2013

Vaisnavas' Trademark: Tilaka!

Suresvara Dasa shares one pastime:

Before the start of an initiation lecture in New Vrindavana, Srila Prabhupada sent two boys out of the room... because they didn't have tilaka on their foreheads.

The two boys, Girish and Birabadra, were the sons of Shalavati, and were between 8 & 10 years old. Even though they were just boys, Srila Prabhupada noticed that they didn't have tilaka on.
So he motioned them out of the room with his hands, and instructed: "Go put tilaka!"

As they went out to adorn their bodies with the sacred markings, Srila Prabhupada stated:

"Tilaka is our trademark. We are selling Krsna...for free. And still no one will take!"
He started laughing heartily, "Still no one will take."

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Sri Govardhana Eagerly Awaits Your Sweet Devotion

Giriraja Maharaja will come down from His altar this coming Saturday (2 November) to accept our offerings of sweet preparations, to form His kundas, hill tops, boulders and caves, grass pastures, etc.

We are all invited to bring the bhoga to be offered to Him by latest 3:30pm, in the paraphernalia room.

And if you are eager for some extra mercy, you can come earlier during the day to apply the multi-colored burfi that will constitute the base of Govardhana Hill.

Jaya Jaya Giri-govardhana!

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Tuesday 29 October 2013

The 'Master-Mentality' Drags Us To Hell

(The following pastime is narrated by Bhakta Dasa from California; not to be confused with 'our' Melbourne Bhakta Dasa!)

Bhakta Dasa remembers his initiation.

As Srila Prabhupada handed him his beads, he said:

"Your name is Bhakta das.
It means that you are the servant of the devotees.
The more you think of yourself as a servant, the more you will advance in spiritual life;
the more you think you're becoming a master, the faster you will go to hell!"

In just that one sentence, Srila Prabhupada summarised the essence of Krishna conscious philosophy.

HH Vedavyasapriya Swami's Melbourne Visit

We are pleased to announce that HH Vedavyasapriya Swami will be in Melbourne temple from Thursday 31st Oct. to Wednesday 6th Nov. His schedule will be as follows:

  • 31 Oct -  Home program at 7:30 pm (Unit 5, 253 Danks St. Albert Park VIC 3206)

  • 1 Nov - 5 Nov - Srimad Bhagavatam Class at 7:45 am in temple.

  • 1 Nov - Home program at 7 pm (22 Cooinda Crescent, Clarinda, VIC 3169; Contact Rajkumar 0421 813 723)

  • 2 Nov - Govardhan puja at 4:30 pm in temple.

  • 3 Nov - Boat Cruise (bookings essential, for more details contact Akhand Dhi Das on 0421 004 004)

  • 3 Nov  - Diwali Sunday feast program at 4:30 pm in temple

  • 5 Nov - Bhakti Vriksa at 11 am (34 Marquands Rd. Truganina VIC 3029; Contact Prasad 0430 300 544)


You are welcome to participate in all programs and rejuvenate your life.

 

That Is Krsna's Mercy!

"When I went to America, I went by ship." Srila Prabhupada narrates, "It stopped at the Commonwealth Pier in Boston. So I was thinking that if 'I say that:
No illicit sex, no meat-eating, and no intoxication, and no gambling -
these people will immediately say, 'Please go home.' "

Srila Prabhupada chuckled and went on to say:

"Yes. That is the position. These are their daily affairs. These are their daily affairs in Western countries. And if you want to make them stop these things, they will think that 'This man is lunatic!'
But by Krsna's grace these boys, these girls, they agreed.
That is Krsna's grace!"

"I did not expect that they will agree. In India they do not agree, and they are accustomed from childhood, from boyhood. So how they will...?
But Krsna's grace is so nice, Caitanya Mahaprabhu's mercy is so great, that they agreed, and they are pushing on this movement on this principle."

(SB class 3.26.8 Bombay 27.12.1974)

Sunday 27 October 2013

Srila Prabhupada, Our Jagat Guru

Tamal Krsna Goswami had to undergo a surgery in India. While the doctor was administrating him anesthetic, Maharaja meditated on SS Radha Rasabihari. When Tamal Krsna Goswami fell unconscious, he had a dream:

Srila Prabhupada had been called by the previous acaryas to make a report!
It was related to Srila Prabhupada's preaching mission on this planet. And the previous acaryas were all there and they asked: "What is your report?"

Srila Prabhupada replied that he had studied the people of this planet and he found that they had no capacity for taking any type of austerity. Nor were they very capable of studying, and they were not very pious.
Srila Prabhupada stated: "The only thing so far that they seem to be able to do is that, somehow, they take shelter at my feet!"

When Tamal Krsna Goswami related his dream, Srila Prabhupada's response was:
"Actually this is so...this is so!"

Saturday 26 October 2013

Krishna Is The Ultimate Artist

Kaushalya Mataji, one of Srila Prabhupada's first female disciples relates the following pastime:

Once, in New Delhi, somebody told Srila Prabhupada:
"This whole world is maya, it's just an illusion!"

Kaushalya Mataji recalls that Srila Prabhupada jumped down this throat and retorted:
"How dare you call it an illusion!
It is beautiful! The mountains are beautiful, the oceans are beautiful; the rivers, the sky. This is a beautiful world! But what it is, is that it's temporary.
And it's just a perverted reflection of the spiritual world. So if you see the beauty of this world, you'll see how beautiful the spiritual world is. A million times more beautiful.


It's like if you were to paint a painting and bring to me and say: "Srila Prabhupada look at this painting I have done for you!"
And I would look at it (with disdain) and say: 'It's an illusion!'
It would hurt your feelings.
So I find it very offensive that you call this world an illusion!"

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Friday 25 October 2013

Drink This Ambrosial Nectar

Prahlāda Mahārāja is the popular emblem of devotee-children, commonly referred to as gurukulis in our society, and he wisely declared:

"One who is sufficiently intelligent should use the human form of body from the very beginning of life — in other words, from the tender age of childhood — to practice the activities of devotional service, giving up all other engagements..."
(Srimad Bhagavatam 7.6.1)

We can actually demonstrate a 'live and direct' example of this statement:

Click here to view a short video of our junior sadhikas leading the damodarastakam on Wednesday night.


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Thursday 24 October 2013

Srila Prabhupapa never gives up on anyone

"Srila Prabhupada never gave up on a devotee, no matter how many mistake the devotee would make; he wanted to see whether the devotee would still carry on and would still want to serve Krsna and serve him", recounts Tamal Krishna Goswami.

Maharaja had just made some serious mistakes regarding the sales contract of the Hare Krishna Land, in Juhu.
"But" he continues, "Srila Prabhupada did not reject me. He still gave me the opportunity to go through a hellish year and half after that, sitting in the lawyers chambers in Bombay, trying to recover the contract...but he never gave up on me"

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"Srila Prabhupada said about Krsna: 'If you chant Hare Krsna even one time, sincerely, Krsna will never leave you alone'.
In the same way, Srila Prabhupada never leaves you alone. Even though you might make many blunders in his service, still he does not reject you. But he accepts you just as a father would accept a child; he expects that there may be mistakes.
He will chastise you like anything but he never gives you the sense that he doesn't love you."

Innocent Voices Glorifying The Damodarastakam

Melbourne's budding kirtaniyas were singing their jolly little hearts out yesterday at 7pm!

It was certainly pleasure to the ears... and to the eyes



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Wednesday 23 October 2013

Remembering Srila Prabhupada

Below is an anecdote that illustrates Srila Prabhupada's astute sense of humour.

Gohita Dasa remembers: It was San Francisco Ratha Yatra. An infamous man came to the prasadam distribution at Laguna Beach and he handed $30,000 cash to Srila Prabhupada, in $500 and $100 notes.
Srila Prabhupada actually knew how the man got the money so he jokingly asked, "So, how did you get that much money?"
The man replied, "I sell drugs Srila Prabhupada!"
Srila Prabhupada responded, "Oh I used to sell drugs too! For what pharmacy do you work for?"

New Schedule For Website Post

Dear Devotees,

please note that if you have an announcement that you wish to post on the Temple's website,
(for example, Spiritual Masters' visits, Special events you are organising etc) please submit your draft at least 4 days before the desired date of publication.

Your draft will contain the following information:

  1. Title

  2. Date

  3. Venue

  4. Further information about the event, as required.


This is an attempt to regulate the schedule of posts and maximise the effectiveness of the Temple's new website.
We would highly appreciate your cooperation in the matter.

Wednesday 16 October 2013

"Sri Hansaduta" Seminar Videos

Here are all three videos of "Sri Hansaduta" seminar given by HH Kadamba Kanana Swami at Hare Krishna Temple.
Many thanks to Shyam Candra Das and Bhakta Russell Sara for making these videos available for all of us.

"Sri Hansaduta" Seminar Videos on YouTube.

Tuesday 24 September 2013

Janmastami Videos

Here is the link to the Playlist of Janmastami videos from the 2013 Vedic Cultural Programme.

It contains all the 19 performances, including the visit of Ted Baullieu.

2013 Diwali FOLK News Online

You can catch Diwali FOLK news online here. The printed magazine should arrive in your mailboxes within a week.

13 DIWALI Folk

You may need to select Adobe Acrobat as your viewer to see the magazine properly.

Saturday 14 September 2013

Tuesday 10 September 2013

Trying For Initiation October - December?

Dear devotees, if you are hoping to receive initiation between October and December, please finalise your application before October the 17th.

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I hope to take service leave from October 21 - December 1. You can contact me at rasanandini@gmail.com, your servant Rasanandini Dasi (Examiner, ISKCON Melbourne).

Saturday 7 September 2013

Video: Jhulan Yatra August 20

 



With kirtaneer Vasudha Priya Mataji.

You can link to an audio recording through the video page.

 

Tuesday 3 September 2013

Wednesday 28 August 2013

Fancy dress and story telling competition photos

Here are some photos from the Fancy dress and story telling competition on 17th August.

Friday 19 July 2013

Temple of The Vedic Planetarium Update

In February the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium team presented an update to ISKCON's Governing Board Committee (GBC).



The team writes, "The Temple of the Vedic Planetarium is not another preaching center, but actually Mahaprabhu's home...2016 is ISKCON's 50th anniversary and we would like to complete this temple and offer this to Prabhupada as our collective Guru Dakshina to him: gratitude for giving us this wonderful ISKCON society for the last 50 years."

You can read more at TOVP.org.

Monday 1 July 2013

Heathmont Ratha Yatra Video

Watch Ratha Yatra with His Grace Bhurijana Prabhu and Her Grace Jagattarini Mataji at Heathmont on Sunday June the 23rd. Thanks Russell Sara and team.


 


 

Saturday 29 June 2013

Make Vrindavan Villages

Dandavats is showing Make Vrindavan Villages, a film from iskconvarnashrama.com that features Gita Nagari Baru, a sprawling 15 year-old community in Indonesia.



Gita Nagari Baru includes 30 families, cows, agricultural gardens, school and residential plots. Catch glimpses of this wonderful community at work.

Friday 28 June 2013

How to Honour Krishna Prasadam



Watch a video of the seminar How to Honour Krishna Prasadam - facilitated by Keshava Dasa on Monday June the 17th. - here. You will find a link to an audio recording of the seminar on the same YouTube page. Thanks to Russell Sara for editing and uploading these files.

Teaching Opportunity at Sri Mayapur International School

Sri Mayapur International School is known for its affiliation to Cambridge, its rigorous academics and excellent standard of achievement by students on Cambridge international exams. As devotee teachers and staff, we are inspired to see the personal transformations that are taking place in our students.  They are appreciating Srila Prabhupada's books and are applying the principles of Krishna consciousness in their lives.

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Sri Mayapur International School requires the following teachers for August 2013:

1)      A year 3 teacher. We need a teacher for a mixed ability class of 17 eager-to-learn Krishna conscious children.  Experience in teaching this age group is essential.

2)      A middle school English teacher. If you have excellent spoken and written English skills and have experience in teaching 11-14 year-olds please apply.

We are situated right in the heart of ISKCON Mayapur with 208 enrolled devotee students. If you are interested in teaching in Sri Dham Mayapur for 10 months, please email the Principal Gunacuda dasi at gunacuda@yahoo.com  or phone +91 7602513516. We provide free accommodation, a modest stipend and lunch prasad. Remuneration is based on experience and qualifications.

For more information about Sri Mayapur international School, go to www.mayapurschool.com.

Thursday 27 June 2013

Home Deity Installation : By Bhurijan Prabhu & Jagattarini Mataji

Last Friday evening (21 Jun 13) Bhurijan Prabhu and Jagattarini Mataji together with many other devotees attended the installation of Sri-Sri Gaura-Nitai at the home of Sudershan Gauranga Dasa and Indu Lekha Lakshmi Dasi.

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You can enjoy a slideshow of the installation ceremony posted by their son Nakul Mahajan to Google+

Saturday 2 February 2013

Countdown to The Festival of The Chariots

There are now just ten days until the Festival of the Chariots and the Vedic Villagereturn to Melbourne on Sunday February the 10th.

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Please remember that we need each and every devotee to volunteer your time and service to please Lord Jagannatha with a successful festival.

If you would like to help please:

(1) register your name on the notice posted on the Temple's Paraphernalia Room Door.

(2) Complete your online St Kilda Festival Safety Induction. Access to the Induction Portal is via the Festival website,www.stkildafestival.com.au. Go to the bottom right-hand corner of the home page and click on the Safety Induction link.You will be redirected to the St Kilda Festival Induction Portal. When the application asks, “who you are working for”, you must state 'ISKCON.'

Thank you for your kind service and support in this great preaching opportunity.

The Festival of the Chariots (Ratha Yatra) is so important to our Founder-Acharya Srila Prabhupada: with every devotee contributing it will surely be a great success.

Please contact Bhakta dasa if you have any questions (0431-829-463).