New ISKCON Disciple Course Starting Soon

Dates for the next ISKCON Disciple Course facilitated by Aniruddha Dasa are now available:

Schedule:

Sat Dec 31 2016 - Mon Jan 2 2017

10am-5pm 

Please send an email to kundalata@iskcon.net.au to register.

There will be a $20 fee per person to cover the costs of the course.

Each group of participants will include:

• 50% devotees who are aspiring for shelter, or are sheltered

• 50% initiated devotees

Please note that acceptance of your registration is on a first-come-first-served basis.

Thank you!

Superior training, not artificial renunciation.

No one should suddenly give up his prescribed duties and become a so-called yogi or transcendentalist artificially. It is better to be situated in one's position and to try to attain Kṛṣṇa consciousness under superior training. Thus one may be freed from the clutches of Kṛṣṇa's maya.

Bg 3.33

How is Arjuna a devotee?

Now people may say that "He was not chanting. He was fighting. How he became a great devotee?" But Kṛṣṇa says, bhakto 'si priyo 'si me: "You are My dear friend. You are My devotee. Because you are utilizing your energy for Me." So bhakti means you utilize your energy for Kṛṣṇa. Then your life is perfect.

Śrīla Prabhupāda Lecture – Bhagavad-gītā 1.15 – July 15, 1973, London

Higher intelligence.

But if anyone even goes to the church and temple for asking something to God, he is pious. At least, he has approached God. So one day, when he will be advanced devotee, he will not ask anymore. He knows that "Why shall I bother God? He is supplying everyone food, so why shall I ask Him food? My food is also there. Let me serve Him." That is his higher intelligence.

Bhagavad-gītā 1.15 - July 15, 1973, London

Maṇigrīva at work today!

These are seriously big auctions.

Shopping fof a new tractor.

Maṇigrīva, our farm manager, is going to Ritchies Industrial Machinery auction today in Geelong. He and Doug Armistead, our neighbour and local mechanic, have done a lot of research on equipment suitable for our needs. They’ve contacted owners and researched remedial measures for issues in each of the items we might bid on. If we get a good break and price we could have a new (used) tractor by the end of today.

Latest FOLK Issue now available

Our 2016 Diwali FOLK News Magazine is now out! Soft copies are freely available for all to download on our Members Page. Highlights of this issue include:

• An article by our founder acarya His Divine Grace A.C Bhaktivdanta Swami
• Importance of the Kartik month
• A report on ISKCON's 50 year grand celebrations at Sydney Opera House
• Snana yatra festival descriptions
• And much much more!

Do check it out!

Hare Krishna Valley's newest member

Our dear cow Kunti, gave birth to a sweet little baby, Anuradha on the morning of 8th September.

Anuradha is a pure Gir cow with a very mild disposition. She loves being cuddled, fed and generally pampered.

Would you like to establish a life long relationship with dear Anuradha? You can protect her for just $1001 for the whole year! (About $85 per month).
Consider sponsoring a cow at Hare Krishna Valley!

New ISKCON Disciple Course Starting Soon

Dates for the next ISKCON Disciple Course facilitated by Aniruddha Dasa are now available:

Schedule:

Sat Oct 29 - Mon Oct 31

10am-1pm and 2pm-5pm 

Please send an email to kundalata@iskcon.net.au to register.

There will be a $20 fee per person to cover the costs of the course.

Each group of participants will include:

• 50% devotees who are aspiring for shelter, or are sheltered

• 50% initiated devotees

Please note that acceptance of your registration is on a first-come-first-served basis.

Thank you!

Janmastami Celebrations 2016

In spite of the space challenges due to the new kitchen construction, we still had a grand Janmastami festival this year. As always, thousands of visitors streamed in to take darsan and offer arati to the Lord on His birthday. What we lacked in space, we made up for with grander decorations and a larger, more delicious feast for all!

Some photos of the event and behind the scenes fun!

Janmastami Road Closure Information

On Thursday August 25, from 5pm-11pm Danks Street will be closed from Kerferd Road to Boyd Street to facilitate the Janmastami celebrations at Hare Krishna Melbourne.

Prasadam will be served in the Marquee erected on Danks Street closure from 5pm - 10 pm.

To avoid parking issues, you can park at Albert Park Lake and take a free bus ride to the temple from 6 pm onwards.

See the attached posters below for more information.

2016 Janmastami FOLK News Magazine Published

The 2016 Janmastami FOLK News Magazine is out! Packed with exciting articles on Lord Balaram, Srimati Radharani and ISKCON's 50th year celebrations, this issue has a special write-up by H.H Jai Advaita Svami as well! Also look out for the kids activities and the new kitchen update.

The online version of our magazine is available for all to read in our Folk New Archives at the bottom of the Members page.

For subscribers, the hard copy will be in your letter box after 19th July!

Enjoy your FOLK!

Love!

So-called love here means that "you gratify my senses, I'll gratify your senses," and as soon as that gratification stops, immediately there is divorce, separation, quarrel, and hatred. So many things are going on under this false conception of love. Actual love means love of God, Kṛṣṇa. SSR Ch7

Genuine Guru

The genuine guru is God's representative, and he speaks about God and nothing else. The genuine guru is he who has no interest in materialistic life. He is after God, and God only. That is one of the tests of a genuine guru: brahma-niṣtham. He is absorbed in the Absolute Truth. SSR Ch2

In the beginning...

In the beginning of Kṛṣṇa consciousness, one may not fully discharge the injunctions of the Lord, but because one is not resentful of this principle and works sincerely without consideration of defeat and hopelessness, he will surely be promoted to the stage of pure Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Bg 3.31

Food Van Donation

Bhakta has been working with Bhakta Jason to design a food van for Hare Krishna Food for Life prasādam distribution. Here's an idea of the kind of machine he is looking at.

COMPLETE FOOD VANS from Focus Film Wedding Videography on Vimeo.

Proud of your birth!

As soon as one becomes proud of his birth as the son of a brahmana and neglects to acquire the qualifications of a real brahmana, he at once becomes degraded and falls from the path of self-realization. Thus his life's mission as a human being is defeated. Śrī Īśopaniṣad 18

Surrender's benefits.

By surrendering to the Lord and praying for His causeless mercy, the devotee can progress on the path of complete self-realization. The Lord is addressed as fire because He can burn anything into ashes, including the sins of the surrendered soul. Śrī Īśopaniṣad 18

Can burn up the reactions of all past karma.

agne naya supathā rāye asmān
viśvāni deva vayunāni vidvān
yuyodhy asmaj juhurāṇam eno
bhūyiṣṭhāṁ te nama-uktiṁ vidhema

O my Lord, as powerful as fire, O omnipotent one, now I offer You all obeisances, falling on the ground at Your feet. O my Lord, please lead me on the right path to reach You, and since You know all that I have done in the past, please free me from the reactions to my past sins so that there will be no hindrance to my progress. Śrī Īśopaniṣad 18

Days of cooking like this are numbered

This old style of cooking is on its way out. With the new kitchen we'll be saying goodbye to these old pots. The new Bratt Pans provide an energy efficient, quick cooking method. The pan is shallow so the heat is closer to the grains toasting them in less time. The shallow pan enables the cook to stir the ingredients with less effort. They have a tilting mechanism so cooks don't have to lift heavy pots. Time saving, labour saving, energy efficient.

Food for Life Kitchen Fund Raising Dinner

We had an entertaining evening at the Food for Life Kitchen Fund Raising Dinner last night. The St Kilda Town Hall is a great location to hold these events. We sat in the hall facing North which is how it was designed. It was a much better ambience than in previous events. We far exceeded our target thanks to the enthusiasm and dedication of our wonderful team of devotees.

Why am I attracted by Rādhārāṇī?

It seems strange that Kṛṣṇa, as the Supreme, should be attracted by anyone's love. We search after the love of a woman or a man because we are imperfect and lack something. The love of a woman, that potency and pleasure, is absent in man, and therefore a man wants a woman, but this is not the case with Kṛṣṇa, who is full in Himself. Thus Kṛṣṇa expressed surprise: "Why am I attracted by Rādhārāṇī? And when Rādhārāṇī feels My love, what is She actually feeling?" TLC Intro

Food for Life Kitchen gets a boost!

Here's an article featured in the latest edition of the online Indian Link newspaper. It describes the ground breaking ceremony celebrated at the temple on Nṛsiṁha Caturdasi. The new kitchen, its benefits and how it will increase prasādam distribution are highlighted. Prasādam distribution is a key element to successful community cultivation and development. Thanks to Gaurav Masand for such a comprehensive and detailed explanation of our project.

I also heard from Śukadeva that there are over 500 attendees for the Saturday fund raising dinner. There are more enquiries but we will have to limit the number of places. If you miss out this time, don't worry. We'll be holding another in due course.

Nirmama – nothing is mine.

The cashier may count millions of dollars for his employer, but he does not claim a cent for himself. Similarly, one has to realize that nothing in the world belongs to any individual person, but that everything belongs to the Supreme Lord. Bg 3.30

Sacrifice means not claiming proprietorship of the results of one's actions.

One has to sacrifice everything for the good will of the Supreme Lord, and at the same time discharge prescribed duties without claiming proprietorship. Arjuna did not have to consider the order of the Lord; he had only to execute His order. Bg 3.30

How Ajāmila became degraded.

In the same way that the sun and moon are eclipsed by a low planet, the brāhmaṇa Ajāmila lost all his good sense. Thus he always thought of the prostitute, and within a short time he took her as a servant in his house and abandoned all the regulative principles of a brāhmaṇa. SC 13

An amazing illustration of Kṛṣṇa's teaching by example.

Some of the gopis addressed Him thus: "Dear Kṛṣṇa, because of Your adolescent age, You have just become the spiritual master of these young girls, and You are teaching them to whisper among themselves. You are teaching them to offer solemn prayers, as well as training them to cheat their husbands and to join You in the gardens at night, without caring for the instructions of their superiors. You are enthusing them by the vibration of Your enchanting flute; and, as their teacher, You are teaching them all the intricacies of loving affairs." NoD 24

No wonder people get the wrong idea. Kṛṣṇa is the great Bewilderer!

There are six features of conjugal love affairs, called peacemaking, picking a quarrel, going to meet one's lover, sitting together, separation and support. Lord Kṛṣṇa expanded an empire of these six features, of which He was the ruling prince. NoD Ch 26

This is a description of Kṛṣṇa in his wild teenage years.

Neither beginning nor end!

Although we speak of "when" Kṛṣṇa desires, just when He did desire we cannot say. We only speak in this way because in conditional life we take it that everything has a beginning; however, in the absolute or spiritual life there is neither beginning nor end. TLC Intro

Pleasure potency explained – why Kṛṣṇa doesn't seek pleasure in the material world.

The object of Kṛṣṇa's pleasure potency is Rādhārāṇī, and He exhibits His potency or His energy as Rādhārāṇī and then engages in loving affairs with Her. In other words, Kṛṣṇa does not take pleasure in this external energy but exhibits His internal energy, His pleasure potency, as Rādhārāṇī. Thus Kṛṣṇa  manifests Himself as Rādhārāṇī in order to exhibit His internal pleasure potency. Of the many extensions, expansions and incarnations of the Lord, this pleasure potency is the foremost and chief. TLC Intro

Pleasure Potency

Kṛṣṇa does not take any pleasure in this material world, but He has a pleasure potency. Because we are part and parcel of Kṛṣṇa, the pleasure potency is within us also, but we are trying to exhibit that pleasure potency in matter. Kṛṣṇa, however, does not make such a vain attempt.

Love of Kṛṣṇa versus materialistic lust.

Some people become interested in Kṛṣṇa because they think that His religion allows indulgence in sex. This is not Kṛṣṇa-bhakti, love of Krishna, but prākṛta-sahajiyā—materialistic lust. TLC Intro

Kitchen funding agreement approved with OMAC

A significant milestone was reached in our Kitchen Project today. The grant contract was approved by the Manager of Community Strengthening and funding of $250,000 will be available before the end of June. We will sign the agreement next week. Demolition has finished. The builder will have his crew in to start work on preparing the foundations and slab in the next week. We are holding a Fund Raising Dinner on the 11th June at St Kilda Town Hall. Contact Member Services if you haven't got an invitation.

New kitchen entrance, old bad habits!

We had the pleasure of hosting the ISKCON National Annual General Meeting last week after a long time. It was a busy week. The new kitchen construction began with the old outhouse demolition. Just as the old paddy has to be uprooted to plant the new so we've had relocate the pot sheds and knock down the old cool room and sheds to make way for the new construction.
One old habit that needs to be uprooted is that of throwing the used vegetable and other bhoga boxes out the back door into the area around the doorway. It makes a mess, is unsightly, is a sign of laziness and is dangerous. We can't let rubbish pile up willy nilly at the backdoor. Cooks beware, you are on notice. Please clean up as you go and don't be lazy, thinking that someone else will clean up after you. It is everyone's responsibility to keep the kitchen and surrounding areas clean for safety aesthetic and health reasons.

Web site upgrade on the making

Last week we signed up for an upgrade to our current website. We chose havealook.com.au for their design smarts, speed of service and their economical setup fee. The new site design is geared for new enquirers into Krishna consciousness. That doesn't mean we won't provide all the services to which you are already accustomed. The classes, calendar and upcoming events will still be available, but in an easier to use, more interactive and accessible format.
We will be moving our podcast to SoundCloud. All lectures will be stored on SoundCloud moving forward. Our Facebook, YouTube and Flickr feeds will also be available and accessible.

The knower of the truth is;

The knower of the Absolute Truth is;
convinced of his awkward position in material association
knows he is part and parcel of Kṛṣṇa
that he should not be in the material creation
his real identity is eternal bliss and knowledge
realises he is entrapped in the material conception of life
engages himself in activities of Kṛṣṇa consciousness
is naturally unattached to the activities of the circumstantial and temporary material senses
knows his material condition of life is under the supreme control of the Lord
is not disturbed by all kinds of material reactions, which he considers to be the mercy of the Lord
tattva-vit – knows the Absolute Truth in three different features – namely Brahman, Paramātmā and the Supreme Personality of Godhead
knows his own factual position as servant of the Supreme.

Bg 3.28 | Bhaktivedanta Vedabase Online - http://bit.ly/1TtWysU

Īśopaniṣad Mantra 17 explained by Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura

Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura explains these verses in this way: "One should regard a devotee of Kṛṣṇa to be on the right path of the saints, even though such a devotee may seem to be su-durācāra, 'a person of loose character.' One should try to understand the real purport of the word su-durācāra. A conditioned soul has to act for double functions—namely for the maintenance of the body and again for self-realization. Social status, mental development, cleanliness, austerity, nourishment and the struggle for existence are all for the maintenance of the body. The self-realization part of one's activities is executed in one's occupation as a devotee of the Lord, and one performs actions in that connection also. One must perform these two different functions along parallel lines, because a conditioned soul cannot give up the maintenance of his body. The proportion of activities for maintenance of the body decreases, however, in proportion to the increase in devotional service. As long as the proportion of devotional service does not come to the right point, there is a chance for an occasional exhibition of worldliness. But it should be noted that such worldliness cannot continue for long because, by the grace of the Lord, such imperfections will come to an end very shortly. Therefore the path of devotional service is the only right path. If one is on the right path, even an occasional occurrence of worldliness does not hamper one in the advancement of self-realization."

Iso mantra 17 | Bhaktivedanta Vedabase Online - http://bit.ly/1WHLpbo

The Lord does not forget His devotee's service

Even if at the time of death a devotee does not remember his service to the Lord, the Lord does not forget him.

Śrī Īśopaniṣad 17

Give and take!

Instead of taking from God, we (should) give to God.

TLC Introduction http://bit.ly/1TtUb9m

Tickets on sale Monday! Transcendental Journey - Hare Krishna Celebrates 50 Years

It was promised on Friday but I couldn't find it. The event is now posted on the Sydney Opera web site. Ticket sales start Monday. There aren't a lot of seats available so first in, best dressed.

Transcendental Journey - Hare Krishna Celebrates 50 Years - Sydney Opera House - http://bit.ly/1TtQCjr

There is no darkness but ignorance.

Tamasi mā jyotir gama.

Lord Narasimha Dev: The Transcendental Protector

 



Lord Narasimhdev is an avatar of  Lord Vishnu. He is worshipped in a half man and half lion form. Lord Vishnu had taken this incarnation many millennia before, in order to kill the demon king Hiranyakasipu. Hiranyakashipu was abusing and try to murder his own devotee son, Prahlad, simple because Prahlad worshipped Lord Vishnu as the Supreme. Lord Narsimha appeared to destroy the demon and protect His innocent devotee Prahlad. He is known primarily as the ‘great protector’ who specifically protects his devotees in times of need.
It may sound like a fairy tale when we hear how Lord Narasimha constantly protects the devotees from danger but the story becomes real when we actually realise it. There was a devotee named Giridhari Das who introduced his parents to chant Hare Krishna and to worship Lord Narasimha for protection. One day, his parents were travelling in the car and met with a severe accident; the car was completed smashed from the front. Amazingly, his parents and their driver all escaped without a single wound. They chanted the names of Lord Narsimha and were miraculously protected.
There was another incident where a devotee girl was hit by a speeding truck while crossing the road. She appeared to have been flung far away to the opposite side of the road but was miraculously unhurt. The girl later claimed that Lord Narsimhadev had carried her safely through the air and placed her gently on the side of the road. Only minor scratches were found on her stomach where she said that Lord Narsimha held her in His sharp lion paws.
There are so many similar realisations we can hear from the devotees on how they are completely protected by the Lord. His appearance day is on May 20th this year. Let us all celebrate it. Narasimha Dev ki Jai!

(Written By Bhaktin Iswariya)

Ram Navami – a joyous celebration

We celebrated the most awaited festival of Ram Navami at Hare Krishna Melbourne in April. Thousands of people enjoyed the glorious appearance day of Lord Rama Chandra by dancing, singing and feasting.

Lord Rama appeared on this earth around a million years ago. His birth was a much awaited and much celebrated event in Ayodhya. Even today, the Krishna devotees of Melbourne celebrate it with the same enthusiasm and fervor.

The whole temple was decorated with garlands and flowers, whose fragrance overpowered the fragrance of chemical perfumes. People were wearing colorful clothes and joyous smiles. Kids surrounded the fishpond in middle of the temple. The whole scene was very pleasing to the eyes.

The main function started in evening with the singing of the Holy names. Every single person was jumping and dancing in ecstasy while chanting the Holy names of the Lord. The crowd bought some discomfort but it was a special feeling to see different people from different backgrounds chanting and dancing in one room.

A big feast followed the music and dance. There were so many preparations to eat that if one took one bite of every single item, one would be full. Each item was delicious and satisfied the bellies and hearts of all.

Melbourne is a multicultural city; which witness different festivals from different cultures around the world. The Ram Navami festival, a jewel of Indian tradition, was definitely worth a visit by festival connoisseurs.

(Reported by Bhakta Gagandeep)

Infanticide – a Spiritual Perspective

The recent tragic event of a Victorian mother drowning her own infant has truly shocked the nation. We offer our deepest condolences to the aggrieved family and keep the girl in our prayers. What could possible have caused the mother to turn into such a monster?

Family and community structures provide stability in society. If all needs of every individual are met and each one feels valued then they are happy to take up new responsibilities. But if that support and respect from society is missing even becoming a parent can become extremely depressing and burdensome.

In this scenario, the mother herself was a victim of domestic violence and was separated from her partner. The whole situation created an extreme psychological disorder that made her hate her own offspring. No doubt the mother is solely responsible for the heinous crime but looking at the situation from a spiritual perspective can provide more clarity to the whole picture.

Our psychological process works naturally on what we consistently see, hear, act and practice. If the whole society is running towards material sense gratification, every individual will focus on his own sense satisfaction over the needs of others. Materialism can make one so self-centred that one attempts to destroy anything or anyone that comes in the way of our own personal enjoyment.

Instead, if we the society is God Conscious and focused on higher values, everyone can focus on duty over self-pleasure. Society values the execution of one’s material and spiritual duties in the best possible way. Community members value human relationships over individual success and are happy to devote time to each other. Naturally stable family structures are maintained and new mothers get the support needed from the community.

At Hare Krishna Melbourne, we are blessed with a great community whose focus is service to God and man.

Hare Krishna Valley News

There is always something new to see and do at our Hare Krishna farm in Bambra. Last month, the Hare Krishna Valley witnessed a retreat, a growing vegetable garden and a wood-chopping event.

It can be exhausting to live in a busy city like Melbourne. If you want to get close to nature and recharge, you must stop by at Bambra. Regular retreats and yoga sessions are conducted for this purpose. Recently, a retreat facilitated by a very senior Bhakti Yoga teacher was conducted on the topic - “How to find happiness?” Around 70 people attended to enjoy nature and participate in yoga lessons.

As our valley is around 30 acres, our farm manager has begun growing vegetables. Most of the area is still natural forest, but next to his house a green house project has been started which is producing a large amount of fresh vegetables for the farm's projects.

With the onset of winter, wood is required to make fire in the guest houses and other buildings of the farm. We had a great wood-chopping event, where members of the Hare Krishna Community from the city visited the farm to help with the wood chopping. The Hare Krishna Farm offers a complete rural experience for anyone who is interested!

Upcoming events at Hare Krishna Valley can be found here

(Reported by Bhakta Gagandeep)

Harinam Inspired Generosity

Today we would like to share with you an inspiring story of a new Hare Krishna devotee. Jason recently donated a van worth 50000 dollars to the Hare Krishna temple for our Food For Life services.

Jason became a devotee by participating in our Hare Krishna Music events.

He narrates, “I was walking past the Harinaam crew - a group of devotees who sing and chant the holy names of the lord in the streets. I didn’t realise the hearing of holy names would change my life eternally. I loved the music and began participating regularly in the street events. The crew members invited me for lunch to the temple restaurant and I was hooked to the delicious vegetarian food!”

“As I began accepting the process of Krishna Consciousness, I found myself becoming more peaceful and joyful. Life became more meaningful and I found answers to many of my spiritual questions. I recently fell sick, and was hospitalized for a while. Many friends from the Hare Krishna community visited me daily and I was touched by their love and affection. Krishna gave me the strength to chant His names even when I was sick.”

“I became convinced of the Hare Krishna way of life and wanted to contribute to all the community work they do. Hence I donated the van. It’s a small contribution to a very large cause.”

We are very grateful for Jason’s gift and will utilize it in expanding our food for life efforts even more!

(Reported by Bhaktin Iswariya)

Domestic Violence Workshop Conducted at Hare Krishna Melbourne

The volunteers of Natak Vihaar - a voluntary drama group, put up a fabulous performance to raise awareness about domestic violence on the 30^th of April at the Hare Krsna Temple in Albert Park. ‘Natak‘ means drama and ‘Vihaar’ means recreation. This group is known for their enthusiasm in raising awareness about domestic violence through their dramatical acts.

The organisers said, “The Hare Krsna temple in Albert Park is a place of spiritual welfare and worship for the general community. It was an obvious choice for us to spread our message of compassion. We are trying to curb the violence occurring within the secured walls of people’s homes, and we are really grateful to Hare Krishna Melbourne for supporting us.”

The performers of the Natak Vihaar team performance was both captivating and interactive, involving the audience and getting people to think on their feet. They acted out typical situations that violate the peace in our homes and in our lives. The team would then ask the audience for their opinion on a possible way to improve the situation. Then a thought out solution was put forward on how disturbing household scenarios can be returned to normalcy.

-Reported by Radha Sangi Devi Dasi

Important Information for Retreat.

Dear devotees

Hare Krishna, Thank you for registration for retreat “The early days and before”.

Things to bring:

A pair of clothes along with some warm clothes. socks, sleeping bag or blanket (must bring), sleeping mat or yoga mat (if you have) and toiletries. A pair of earplugs (incase you share room with a snorer)

Address:

1265, Winchelsea – Deans Marsh Road, Bambra VIC

(12.5km from Winchelsea)

Transportation:

Your own arrangement. Let me know if you have any difficulty getting lift there.

Program schedule:

Saturday 23rd April 2016

9 am - 10 am: Breakfast

10 am - 1pm: HG Bhurijana Prabhu’s Class

2 pm - 3 pm: Lunch

4 pm - 6 pm: HG Jagattarini Mataji’s Class

7 pm - 8:30 pm: Lila Kirtana with HG Bhurijana Prabhu and HG Janardana Prabhu

8:30 pm: Dinner

Sunday 24th April 2016

7 am - 8 am: Guided Japa Session with HG Bhurijana Prabhu

8 am - 9 am: Breakfast

10am - 1pm: HG Bhurijana Prabhu’s Class

2 pm - 3 pm: Lunch

4 pm - 6 pm: HG Jagattarini Mataji’s Class

6:30 pm: Dinner

Services:

Most of the devotees will get opportunity to do some seva to all assembled Vaishnavas.

ISKCON Disciple Course This Easter Weekend

Good news! Melbourne Yatra will host another ISKCON Disciple Course over our upcoming Easter Holiday weekend:

• 
  
  Saturday March 26: 3pm-6pm


• 
  
  Sunday March 27: 10am-1pm and 3pm-6pm


• 
  
  Monday March 28: 10am-1pm and 3pm-6pm

The Course is facilitated by His Grace Aniruddha Prabhu. Our venue is the Mary Kehoe center.

Remember that passing the Disciple Course is now compulsory for anyone applying for shelter in Melbourne Yatra. The Course is specifically designed to assist you prior to selecting a guru. If you wish to qualify for Shelter, the Disciple Course is especially important because most of your exam questions are covered there.

By ISKCON law the Course became compulsory for anyone applying for first or second initiation after 6.9.2015.

Please note that acceptance of your registration is on a first-come-first-served basis, and only ten seats are left.

You can register online here. If you do not receive an immediate response, please follow-up by contacting Kundalata Mataji (kundalata@iskcon.net.au - who manages registration and invitations) directly.

 

Nityananda Trayodasi Abhisheka

Relive the excitement of Lord Nityananda's bathing ceremony

New Resource: Deity Photos for Home Altars

Where can I find original or edited Deity photos to print for my home altar?

Go to our new resource page (under the Publications menu): Deity Photos for Home Altars.



The new page includes a selection of edited darshanas uploaded to Flickr. These shots are suitable for home altars and can be downloaded in original-size JPEGs for printing.

Or explore Hare Krishna Melbourne's Flickr account for the endless variety of all our Daily Darshanas in original size for download.

Nrsimhadeva and Varahadeva: Mahaprabhu Mandir Silas

We have been hearing, in Srimad Bhagavatam class, the drama of Jaya and Vijaya's fall from Vaikuntha in order to inspire the fighting spirit of the Supreme Lord's incarnations - including Nrsimha, Varaha, Rama and Dwaraka. Right now we are hearing of the battle between Varahadeva and Hiranyaksha (Jaya).

If your gaze, like mine, seeks out Their Lordships' forms on the altar, here are pictures of our silas in the positions They occupy - along with Their names.



By the way, Lord Dwaraka's form is white coral. He sits together with Lords Kurma and Matsya on the far lower left, but is often hidden from view behind His Divine associates.

Gaura Purnima FOLK News Now Online

2016 Gaura Purnima season FOLK news is online now and our print edition should be delivered to your mailboxes in a week or so.

In this edition Srila Prabhupada reveals the identity of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and we uncover the significance of His holy Dhama. Glimpse Ayurveda ‘from the ground up’ at Hare Krishna Valley and appreciate Bhagavad-gita’s spiritual gems.

You can read FOLK news right here or download a PDF.



You can catch up on past issues at our FOLK homepage.

Looking forward to seeing you for our Gaura Purnima season celebrations!

Volunteering at Ratha Yatra? Your Safety Induction Closes at the End of January

Are you attending Ratha Yatra (The Festival of the Chariots) on Sunday February the 14th?

Do you intend to assist with services there?

Have you registered to help with Chariot Security, Face Painting, Prasadam Distribution or anything else at the Festival?

WONDERFUL!

Then you need to complete the St. Kilda Festival Safety Induction

This is a minimum requirement for all our volunteers. Online Safety Induction information takes only a short time to read. The test itself is just 10 multiple choice questions. All inductions must be completed no later than January the 31st.

Please print out your Induction Card and carry it with you at all times.  You must produce this receipt if requested while working onsite.

If you are unable to complete your induction online, you can go to the St Kilda Festival Office.

Hare Krishna, all glories to Lord Jagannatha!

See you at Ratha Yatra!

 

 

Join Our Worldwide Family: International Life Membership

ISKCON Melbourne introduces INTERNATIONAL LIFE MEMBERSHIP to your community.



ISKCON Founder-Acharya His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada personally introduced the Life Membership Program in the early 1970's. He invited everyone across the world to take advantage of residing in ISKCON temples - all over the world - for a couple of days, of attending spiritual programs and receiving Krishna conscious association.

A one-of Life Membership donation is $1,111.

Your spiritual honors:

• a Life Member is entitled for free accommodation for three days per year per center: subject to availability and prior confirmed reservation.


• a list of ISKCON centers across the world will be sent to you along with your International Life Membership Card.


• you will receive birthday greetings for every year and a special puja at the Temple

Your welcome kit:

• a set of Srila Prabhupada's books,


• a framed picture of the Lord Krishna,


• your japa mala and mantra card.

Note: upon paying an additional $500, you will receive an 18-book set of the Srimad Bhagavatam.

Enrol today! Contact Sarvajna Krishna Dasa (0404-485-861) in the Members Services Office.

Collect Your Varsha Puja Member Gifts

Attention all Varsha Puja Members!

Please contact the Member Services Office to update your information in our database and collect your gifts of 2016 Hare Krishna Temple Calendars.



Thank you for your generous support: may Guru and Krishna bless you unlimitedly.