Nowadays we have to tell people you don’t live to work, you work to live. So just begin with that understanding that your career is not the goal of life. Your career is important. Your career is something you have to put time and energy into. But your career should lead to opportunities to do something amazing in the world. And the most amazing thing as we know is to give spiritual um opportunity to other people. So I would say both of those are valid paths. Some people see their career as their service and by having that influence, by having that um position, they can do amazing things in the world. If you do decide to go on that route, just make sure that in the process of getting to the top of your corporate field, you don’t lose your Krishna consciousness. Sometimes you have to do 60, 70our weeks. And if you end up neglecting your spiritual practice, neglecting spending time with spiritual people, then you might find yourself at the top of your career but with uh not so much spirituality in the heart and then it’s kind of like the operation was successful but the patient died. Um so that’s a valid route but make sure you keep a good basic spiritual practice and there is also something to be said for just simplifying your life. We have so many amazing projects now, stuff you can do outside of your work. And so if you can get to the point where you work smart, so you don’t have to spend 60 or 70 hours in the office, but you can get it all done in 10 or 20 hours and then you can do direct um projects that you want to do or services or whatever.

Svayam Bhagavan Keshava Maharaja delivered a class titled ‘Life Dilemmas – What to Do’ in New York City, USA in July 2025.0:00:00 Pre-roll0:00:32 Class

Source: https://www.dandavats.com/?p=116783

Indradyumna Swami and organizers of the US Sadhu Sanga Kirtan Retreat have announced that the 2026 gathering will take place in New Orleans, Louisiana, over Memorial Day Weekend, May 22–25, 2026. The annual event, known for drawing thousands of devotees for immersive kirtan and fellowship, will be held at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans, a 4-star hotel on the banks of the Mississippi River.

The venue offers 1,200 onsite rooms and more than 75,000 square feet of hall space across three large rooms, providing a spacious setting for what is expected to be one of the largest ISKCON gatherings in North America. Organizers anticipate more than 5,000 attendees for the 2026 retreat.

Several leading kirtan leaders have already confirmed their participation, including Sacinandana Swami, Radhanath Swami, Badahari Das, Vaisesika Das, Mukunda Datta Das, Madhava Das, Sri Prahlada Das, and Indradyumna Swami. Additional invitations are pending confirmation from Jayapataka Swami, Sivarama Swami, BB Govinda Swami, Acyuta Gopi, and others. Over the four-day event, participants can look forward to more than 40 hours of kirtan along with prasadam served three times daily.

Organizers note that the 2026 retreat holds special significance, as it coincides with ISKCON’s 60th anniversary. The milestone offers devotees an opportunity to gather in large numbers to chant, dance, and honor the legacy of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.

Read more: https://iskconnews.org/sadhu-sanga-kirtan-retreat-announces-2026-location-and-registration-details/

By Yudhisthira Dasa

“The humble sages, by virtue of true knowledge, see with equal vision a learned and gentle brāhmaṇa, a cow, an elephant, a dog, and a dog-eater [outcaste]” (Bhagavad-gita 5.18).

In Srila Prabhupada’s Purport, he states, “A Kṛiṣhṇa conscious person does not make any distinction between species or castes. The brāhmaṇa and the outcaste may be different from the social point of view, or a dog, a cow, and an elephant may be different from the point of view of species, but these differences of body are meaningless from the viewpoint of a learned transcendentalist. This is due to their relationship to the Supreme Lord; by His plenary portion as Paramātmā, He is present in everyone’s heart. Such an understanding of the Supreme is real knowledge. As far as the bodies are concerned in different castes or different species of life, the Lord is equally kind to everyone because He treats every living being as a friend, yet maintains Himself as Paramātmā regardless of the circumstances of the living entities. The Lord as Paramātmā is present both in the outcaste and in the brāhmaṇa, although the body of a brāhmaṇa and that of an outcaste are not the same.”

This is one of the most quoted verses in the Gita. Why? Because in many ways, this verse contains one of the most penetrating and ISKCON-helpful lessons of all. The teachings of the Bhagavad Gita are progressive and sequential from the first chapter through Chapter 18, where the Gita progresses towards the ultimate goal of existence, which Lord Krishna describes as bhakti (love of God).

Read more: https://iskconnews.org/coming-of-age-32-seeing-with-equal-vision/

During his state visit to India, Russian President Vladimir Putin was presented with a copy of the Bhagavad‑gītā translated into Russian. In a post on X, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote: “The teachings of the Gita give inspiration to millions across the world.”

Source: https://iskconnews.org/pm-modi-gifts-russian-language-bhagavad-gita-to-president-putin-during-state-visit/

Clean-up By Kulavati Krishnapriya Devi Dasi, 

Mayapur Clean and Green, the environmental initiative led by Murari Mohini Devi Dasi, is inspiring grassroots transformation beyond the borders of the dham. In the small village of Sardanga, located one kilometer from the Jagannath temple in Rajapur, residents are rallying together to turn their neighborhood into a model of cleanliness and beauty, demonstrating how the organization’s vision can spread through community participation.

Cintamani Devi Dasi, who is coordinating a small eco-project in Sardanga where devotees and visitors from Mayapur come to relax in nature, recognized that her neighborhood needed the same care and attention that Mayapur Clean and Green brings to the wider region. The village had become typical of rural Bengal, with weeds and random trees growing unchecked along pathways and residents throwing garbage onto unused land. For months, she looked at the neglected streets and imagined their potential, how simple efforts could create beauty and raise residents’ consciousness. She felt Lord Jagannath sent her the inspiration to begin transforming the area into a place that reflects genuine care.

Drawing directly from Mayapur Clean and Green’s approach, Cintamani Devi Dasi gathered neighbors to propose beautifying their community by cleaning up garbage, removing weeds, and planting flowering trees, bushes, and vines. The response was enthusiastic. Residents immediately embraced the idea and committed to helping. Now, a dedicated group gathers weekly to work together, not only improving their environment but also building relationships through shared effort.

Mayapur Clean and Green has provided crucial support for the initiative, including supplying garbage bins for proper waste disposal. The Sardanga project aims to become a model village that demonstrates how other communities in the surrounding area can adopt similar practices. “We thank Mayapur Clean and Green for their support, and I feel we are doing our part to help and spread awareness of their vision. If we succeed, Sardanga can become a model village that inspires other communities in the surrounding area to follow,” Cintamani Devi Dasi said, expressing how the project carries forward the organization’s mission of spreading environmental awareness and action.

Read more: https://iskconnews.org/sardanga-village-embraces-mayapur-clean-and-green-vision-through-community-action/

By Bhava Bhakti Devi Dasi

The Annual ISKCON Zone 1 Leaders Conference was held in Montreal with the theme “Feel, Heal, and Be Real.”  Jai Nitai Dasa and Bhava Bhakti Devi Dasi were asked to serve as keynote speakers at the meetings, giving presentations on Devotee Care. They were also invited to attend all three days of the meetings and encouraged to contribute their input on the important matters discussed. 

“All the Temple and Centre representatives gave updates and shared best practices in their area,” said Bhava Bhakti Devi Dasi, “The mood and way forward from the leaders was geared towards devotee care and ensuring the projects flourish with happy devotees serving within them.” Many of the more than 100 leaders at the event approached Jai Nitai Dasa for advice on setting up a Devotee Care Office in their communities and for a visit to discuss the matter further. “We were inspired that Zone 1 took up the Devotee Care initiative with full vigor and even set a goal for 2026 to establish Devotee Care Offices in every one of its 30-plus centers or Temples. Simply exceptional group of leaders,” said Jai Nitai Dasa.

Jai Nitai Dasa is currently serving as the North American Devotee Care representative and is available to meet with leaders to discuss how he and his wife, Bhava Bhakti Devi Dasi, can provide resources and support for devotee care. 

You can follow the Devotee Care ministry on their Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube pages.

Source: https://iskconnews.org/devotee-care-a-key-priority-for-iskcon-leaders-gathered-in-montreal/

On December 3rd, the Supreme Court of India accepted the review petition of ISKCON India (Reg. in 1971, Mumbai) and agreed to reconsider the decision that ISKCON Karnataka Society (Reg. in 1978) is the owner of the Bangalore Temple. The consequential decision was reached by a three-judge bench comprised of Justice M.M. Sundaresh, Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra, and Justice Satish Chandra Sharma of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India.

In a detailed press release from ISKCON’s National Communications Office, Yudhistir Govinda Das, Director of Communications for ISKCON India, said, “The Hon’ble Supreme Court of India’s decision to reopen this matter is a significant milestone in bringing out the truth of this case and for the protection of Srila Prabhupada’s global mission.”

To read the full press release, which includes a summary of the case and the evidence, click here.

Source: https://iskconnews.org/indias-supreme-court-agrees-to-reopen-the-bangalore-case/

Over 500 years ago, in the sacred land of Navadvīpa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Śrī Krishna, appeared as Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. Taking on the golden hue of Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī, He descended to distribute the yuga-dharma—the congregational chanting of the holy names. Through His boundless compassion, He transformed hearts through kīrtana, love, and devotion, opening the doors of bhakti to the entire world.

Śrīla Prabhupāda repeatedly expressed his heartfelt desire:
that all devotees gather every year in Śrī Māyāpur-dhāma—especially during the time of Gaura Pūrṇimā—to receive mercy, recharge spiritually, and deepen their connection with the mission of Lord Caitanya.

Read more: https://www.mayapur.com/en/blog/gaura-purnima-festival-schedule-2026
 

By Giriraj Swami

I will never forget the moment when I heard that George Harrison had passed away, shortly after Thanksgiving in 2001. The strength of my feelings of separation surprised me—and made me think how important and dear George must have been to Srila Prabhupada and Sri Krishna. And I remembered my own little experience with George in Bombay.

In 1974 George came to visit Srila Prabhupada at Hare Krishna Land, in Juhu. He was wearing a white kurta and white yogi pants and had a plain bead bag. I took him around the property, and he expressed his appreciation for our work and encouraged us in our efforts. When at twelve-thirty we heard the conch shell blow for raja-bhoga arati, we went to the temple shed, where George chose a pair of kartals and played and sang with the other devotees. Puri dasa, originally from Scotland, was doing the arati, and when he turned to offer the ghee lamp to the devotees and saw George, his hand started trembling so much that he thought he might drop the lamp.

After the arati, I arranged a full plate of maha-prasada for George and, after he ate, accompanied him to meet Prabhupada in his apartment. Prabhupada greeted him warmly, and I left them together and returned to my office.

“Prabhupada was behind his desk, with George in front of him,” Kishor das later described. “I barely remember what was said, but I remember the feeling of love that went back and forth between them. It was tangible. I didn’t really understand what this relationship was. I was young, and here was a big rock star, and a pure devotee of Krishna, and there was I somewhere. But I could just feel this feeling of love that went back and forth between Prabhupada and George.”

About two hours later, a pudgy twelve-year-old boy with glasses—the son of our friend and supporter Pranjivan G. Valia of the “Hare Krishna” house in the Juhu Vile Parle development—came to my small office at the back of the property. “I heard George Harrison is here,” he said.

“Yes,” I replied, “he is.”

“I want to see him,” he stated.

“Well, you can’t. He’s meeting with Srila Prabhupada.”

He looked me straight in the eye, sizing me up, and, concluding that he wasn’t going to get anywhere with me, turned, dashed to the stairs, and bolted down the steps.

Oh my God, I thought. He’s going to try to find him. So I bounded down the stairs in hot pursuit.

I ran across to the next building, and when I reached the second landing, in front of Prabhupada’s flat, I found the door ajar. The boy stood just inside, and beyond him George sat cross-legged with his back erect, like a yogi—a perfect disciple listening attentively at the feet of his master.

With the boy’s abrupt appearance, Prabhupada and George ended their meeting, exchanging some final words. George was gracious and appreciative, Prabhupada affectionate and kind. I was upset that the boy had interrupted them, but they took it as a matter of course. Maybe it was time for the meeting to end; maybe they took it as Krishna’s arrangement.

Shyamasundar and I accompanied George back to the temple shed for darshan of the Deities. He paid full dandavats, lying completely flat on the floor before Them for a long time, and then left.

The next year, on a morning walk in Sanand, Gujarat, Prabhupada recalled the meeting: “He is very nice boy—George. I have studied. Very good boy. He showed me in Bombay. He came to see me in Bombay, last year. He is keeping Jagannatha within his bead bag and chanting.”

I and many thousands—perhaps millions—of people are thankful to George for all the service he rendered to Srila Prabhupada and the Krishna consciousness movement, for making the holy name of Lord Krishna—the Hare Krishna maha-mantra—and the principles of Krishna consciousness so accessible to people all over the world and for attracting so many souls to the all-attractive Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krishna.

Hare Krishna.

1. The Story of Durvasa Muni and King Ambarisha (SB 9)

Sri Sukadeva Goswami narrates how Durvasa Muni, after being completely satisfied and transformed by King Ambarisha’s humility and devotion, glorifies the king, takes permission, and travels through the spaceways to Brahmaloka.

Brahmaloka is described as a realm free from agnostics and dry philosophical speculation, where everyone is self-realized.

Durvasa travels without a spacecraft because great mystic yogis can move between planets by yogic perfection.

Some planets (like Siddhaloka) naturally possess such abilities.

Durvasa’s purpose in visiting Brahmaloka is to show how a devotee of Krishna surpasses yogis, jnanis, and all other beings.

2. Multi-Dimensional Universe

The universe has many dimensions beyond the three physical ones plus time.

Yogis can access higher realms just like different “channels” or frequencies—similar to how a phone or radio accesses many unseen signals.

Travel between planets uses cosmic routes, “slingshot” methods, or spiritual passages.

3. The Value of Hearing From the Bhagavatam

While most people fill their lives with mundane news, sports, money-making advice, or trivial entertainment, devotees are fortunate to hear from Sukadeva Goswami, who leads them out of the dark material world toward Godhead.

4. Dangers of Agnosticism and Mental Speculation

People often reject scripture because it’s “too simple” and leaves no room to speculate.

But this simplicity is clarity, not inferiority.

Speculators remain trapped in the lower material planets because even to reach higher heavenly realms one must follow Vedic dharma.

Dry agnostics remain entangled in the cycle of suffering symbolized by Durga’s trident (threefold miseries: other beings, material nature, and one’s own body/mind).

5. Why Devotees Are Dear to Krishna

According to Vishvanatha Chakravarti Thakura:

Krishna relishes bhakti through His devotees.

The duality of jiva and Paramatma allows relationship—love, service, exchange, rasa.

Krishna enjoys revealing His sweetness and opulence through interactions with devotees (e.g., saving them from demons, accepting service, reciprocating rasa).

Devotees allow Krishna to display His many moods—friendship, heroism, love, etc.

Devotees sacrifice everything to please Krishna, as shown by saints and by Srila Prabhupada coming to the West.

6. Importance of Not Offending Devotees

The speaker warns he will soon return to the topic of offenses to devotees:

Offending a devotee causes pain directly to Krishna’s heart, because Krishna lives in the devotee’s heart and the devotee lives in His.

Therefore, devotee-offense (vaishnava-aparadha) is extremely dangerous.

The lecture intends to explain:
A) Why it’s dangerous,
B) What to do if we commit such an offense.

Source: https://www.dandavats.com/?p=116776

Make your Place in history!

My name is Dayal Mora das, I’m the Temple President of ISKCON London, Soho Street. We are on the edge of making history but some additional seva is required to complete the yajna.

ISKCON London was established by Srila Prabhupada when he installed Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara in 1969 at 7 Bury Place. They were the first full size Radha Krishna deities in ISKCON.

Unfortunately we lost that building in 1978 and moved to the current location on Soho Street. Still devotees would visit and stand outside 7 Bury Place as it’s the temple where so many devotees joined the movement and also where George Harrison would go to meet Srila Prabhupada. It’s a holy place, a tirtha. The history is more meaningful as it’s the place Srila Prabhupada began his conquest of the old British Empire through his Krishna Consciousness movement.

By Krishna’s grace, a few days ago 7 Bury Place came to auction without warning and I bid for £1.6m in an entrepreneurial spirit. In reality I’m not an entrepreneur, I’m a simple brahmacari, but still I feel we got a very good price. It was clearly Krishna’s hand at work.

I didn’t think too much where the money would come from and I never felt I was alone, rather the whole ISKCON world was with me.

I have already committed to emptying the temple account and putting it all into 7 Bury Place, because it is of such high importance to our heritage and identity, as disciples of Srila Prabhupada and members of his divine movement.

By some good fortune we have managed to get together half the required amount, for the remainder we are looking for your support.

We therefore offer this opportunity for everyone to contribute to this yajna, whether it’s a contribution of one pound or one hundred thousand pounds! Any small contribution is of great help and we humbly request your assistance in raising the outstanding balance so we can reach the goal of £1.6m. All those who donate will be recognised and their names will be published, unless desiring to remain anonymous.

We have until Dec 31st to fulfil the full price of purchase. This is a place for every Krishna devotee to come and take shelter and remember the eternal pastimes of the world acharya in the capital of the old Empire.

Let’s fulfil this yajna together!

Please use the form below to donate securely.
https://iskcon.london/7buryplace/
Thank you for your support.

I remain your servant
Dayal Mora Das

Source: https://www.dandavats.com/?p=116766

By Atma Tattva Das, 

Since 2016, Jagadananda Das has served at the Durban Festival of Chariots, offering guidance and support in the Bhakti Cloud youth tent.

When Jurgen Wolfenden first walked into a Bhakti Yoga Society (BYS) program as a young university student, he wasn’t looking for a dramatic shift in his life. He simply wanted peace. “I didn’t know much at the time,” he said. “But something about the atmosphere held me. The chanting, the sense of family, the care. It stayed with me.”

Today, known in the devotee community as Jagadananda Das, he traces the beginnings of his academic and devotional journey back to those early gatherings. Raised in Zimbabwe and later studying in Pretoria, he spent his undergraduate years navigating the pressures and uncertainties typical of emerging adulthood. BYS offered grounding and direction. “I met people who lived their philosophy,” he said. “For me, as a student of Western philosophy, that was revolutionary.”

Read more: https://iskconnews.org/reimagining-youth-transitions-through-prema-culture/

In Auckland, in the months of November and December, many of the surrounding suburbs arrange to have parades go through the streets. Generally, local businesses put their floats in to advertise the products they sell.

Fortunately, we are able to participate with our Jagannatha Rathayatra “float” and go in the parade as well. On the same day as the Orewa parade, we went to one in the suburb of Manurewa and everyone appreciated the devotees dancing and chanting in front of Lord Jagannatha.

Source: https://ramaiswami.com/manurewa-auckland-rathayatra/

In May 2025, the Supreme Court of India issued a long-awaited judgment in the decades-long dispute between ISKCON Mumbai—the society legally founded and registered by Srila Prabhupada in 1971—and the breakaway Bengaluru group led by Madhu Pandit Dasa. The case, which originated in 2001, concerned who legally controls the Bangalore temple, a property originally established as a branch of ISKCON India. While the Supreme Court’s ruling sided with the Bangalore breakaway group, it dealt only with civil control of the Bengaluru campus and did not address or endorse the theological concept of ritvik initiation. At the time, ISKCON expressed its disappointment in the outcome, it remained committed to pursuingall available legal remedies. 

While acknowledging the court’s decision, ISKCON leaders cautioned that the judgment did not alter Srila Prabhupada’s clearly expressed intention that all Indian temples function under the single ISKCON society registered in Mumbai. They also reiterated that the GBC’s long-standing 1990 resolution rejecting the ritvik theory—as incompatible with the disciplic succession taught by Srila Prabhupada—remains fully in force. 

When the Bengaluru leadership approached the GBC after the ruling with a proposal for affiliation, it was conditioned on rescinding that resolution, a precondition the GBC unanimously rejected after two special meetings convened to consider the matter.

Read more: https://iskconnews.org/indias-supreme-court-sets-new-hearing-in-iskcon-bengaluru-dispute-leaders-urge-global-prayers/

By Atma Tattva Das, 

The ISKCON Justice Ministry will host its first Annual Global Conference online this Sunday, December 7, 2025. The event marks an important milestone in the ministry’s effort to strengthen justice services across the movement and deepen devotees’ understanding of how accountability supports spiritual growth.

Background and Motivation

For Justice Minister Champakalata Dasi, the conference emerges from years of observing how ISKCON’s expanding global community navigates harmony and challenge. She explained that the movement’s growth over six decades naturally brings a variety of interactions. “Most are harmonious,” she said, “yet others may give rise to misunderstanding, grievance, or misconduct.” She believes that spiritual aspiration does not remove human fallibility. Instead, it calls for structures that guide communities toward fairness and protection.

When she stepped into her role, she noticed that many devotees were unclear about where to seek help or how internal mechanisms operate. Her priority became increasing awareness and helping devotees understand the relationship between ISKCON’s systems and the legal requirements of their local countries. A presentation she delivered at the ISKCON Leadership Sanga in Mayapur earlier this year sparked enthusiasm and confirmed that the time was right for a broader, coordinated platform. The conference will create that space.

Read more: https://iskconnews.org/iskcon-justice-ministry-to-host-first-global-conference-on-accountability-and-governance/

By Kulavati Krishnapriya Devi Dasi,

Nitay Mangala Das and his dedicated team are embarking on an extraordinary cinematic offering titled Chaitanya—a feature film centered on the life and mission of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. This project seeks to move beyond a simple biographical narrative to instead directly connect the audience to the Lord: “This is not just a movie about Him — this movie is Him,” emphasized Nitay Mangala.

The Inspirations

At the heart of this endeavor is a powerful inspiration drawn from Srila Prabhupada’s words: “I came here to make a spiritual revolution against materialistic civilization.” Nitay Mangala explained that these words define the film’s very purpose. Every creative decision and effort is guided by the desire to contribute to that spiritual revolution, offering a medium through which people can encounter Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s mercy and transformative power, just as Srila Prabhupada envisioned.

Another important inspiration comes from Nitay Mangala Das’s deep spiritual connection with his own spiritual master, Chaitanya Chandra Charan Das, a disciple of Jayapataka Swami. His guidance has influenced the film from its earliest conception. “My inspiration is the mercy of my Guru Maharaj. Every idea came from the desire to please him,” he shared. He recalled reading portions of the script to his spiritual master, using the feedback to guide the creative process. “If it makes him feel inspired—if he becomes very active and starts telling different stories about Mahaprabhu—it means this is a good point, and we keep it in the script. But if a part evokes no emotion from him, we simply cut it out.”

As the project developed, Nitay Mangala emphasized the need for a film that reaches beyond a single community. “I was thinking of doing something universal—something for the whole world,” he said. This aspiration shaped Chaitanya into a cinematic offering meant to resonate globally, inviting audiences everywhere to experience the divine mercy of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

To bring this vision to reality, a committed team of devotees and professionals has come together,  each contributing their expertise. “Aishwarya Sundaralal is directing the film, with Dharmaraj handling operations and finances. Production is headed by Rasa Gauranga, and distribution and marketing are managed by Bhakta Roman,” explained Nitay Mangala, the film’s General Producer.

The project is further enriched by the guidance of Yadubara Das (ACBSP), who serves as the consulting producer, and strengthened by the valuable insights of Ashwin Kumar, director of the successful Mahavatar Narsimha film.

Read more: https://iskconnews.org/cinematic-project-to-bring-chaitanya-mahaprabhu-to-the-world/