Channel: Vaishnavi Ministry NA

Please join us Monday, May 18th at 10:00 PM EDT Live on Facebook & You tube as we continue our A Bond of Love Interview Series with Her Grace Jagattarini dasi ~ Part II  …

Source: https://www.dandavats.com/?p=118091

Channel: Tattva by Keshava Maharaja

Welcome party Uithoorn, the Netherlands | 28.05.2025

Source: https://www.dandavats.com/?p=118092

Channel: Bhakti Caitanya Swami

Here we show you a little of day 4 of our Varsana parikrama, where we go up to the main temple of Srimati Radharani, and then to the Jaipur Mandir and Dan garh, finally concluding at Maan Garh. For further information, write to dhamaparikramas@gmail.com.

Source: https://www.dandavats.com/?p=118089

By Atma Tattva Das, 

Amsterdam’s annual King’s Day celebrations again served as a major platform for sankirtan outreach, as hundreds of members of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness gathered on April 27 for a large-scale harinam procession through the Dutch capital.

The 2026 event, organized by ISKCON Amsterdam with support from the Kadamba Foundation, brought together participants from across the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, the United Kingdom, Bulgaria, and other parts of Europe. The annual gathering, rooted in a tradition established by His Holiness Kadamba Kanana Swami during his Vyasa Puja observances, has become a major recurring harinam event in Europe.

Held during the Netherlands’ national King’s Day festivities honoring King Willem-Alexander, the procession moved through central Amsterdam, including Dam Square, Central Station, and Vondelpark, where thousands attending the citywide celebrations encountered kirtan, book distribution, prasadam, and congregational chanting throughout the day. According to Amsterdam municipality estimates, King’s Day attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year through concerts, street markets, canal gatherings, and open-air celebrations.

Read more: https://iskconnews.org/europe-wide-harinam-draws-hundreds-to-amsterdam-kings-day/

Thousands of spectators lined the streets of downtown Houston on April 11 as devotees from ISKCON Houston brought kirtan, Lord Jagannath, and thousands of pieces of prasadam to the annual Houston Art Car Parade, one of the world’s largest public celebrations of mobile art. Marking three decades of participation in the internationally known event, devotees this year added a large Jagannath chariot to their decorated parade float, creating a colorful outreach effort that combined chanting, Deity darshan, and large-scale prasadam distribution for Houston’s diverse festival audience.

What began decades ago as a local artistic experiment has grown into one of Houston’s largest public events. In 1986, after an aging vehicle was donated to a local arts organization, an artist transformed it into a moving work of art, helping spark the first Art Car parades. Beginning with only a few dozen decorated vehicles, the annual event now draws up to 300 art cars and approximately 200,000 spectators each April, making it the largest gathering of its kind in the world.

For nearly 30 years, ISKCON Houston devotees have participated in the parade, chanting on decorated moving trailers and distributing prasadam along the route. This year’s effort included a large chariot brought from North Carolina by Jagat-purusa Dasa carrying Lord Jagannath, Baladeva, and Subhadra. Devotees also distributed 10,000 pieces of peanut butter fudge prasadam to the enthusiastic, multi-ethnic crowd gathered along the two-mile route.

“It was impressive to see how the people at the Art Car Parade in Houston were so favorable to the devotees and Their Lordships,” said Jagat Purusha Das.

Read more: https://iskconnews.org/iskcon-houston-marks-nearly-30-years-at-art-car-parade/

As ISKCON Vrindavan’s Krishna Balaram Cultural Center (KBCC) continues to rise beside the historic Krishna-Balaram Mandir, project leaders recently shared a glimpse into the vision and progress of what they hope will become a landmark spiritual location. In the featured video, devotees describe the project as a unique offering intended to coincide with the temple’s anniversary celebrations and expand Srila Prabhupada’s mission for future generations.

The Krishna Balaram Cultural Center has been envisioned as a large-scale addition to ISKCON Vrindavan’s campus, featuring accommodations, seminar facilities, museums, expanded visitor amenities, and spaces designed to serve growing numbers of pilgrims and seekers. Covering nearly 200,000 square feet, the project aims to continue Srila Prabhupada’s legacy, address future community needs, and create an enduring offering in Sri Vrindavan Dham.  See our earlier coverage at ISKCON News.

To watch the latest video, click here.

Source: https://iskconnews.org/krishna-balaram-cultural-center-nears-major-milestone-in-vrindavan/

By Yudhisthira Dasa

What’s your mailing address? Is it eternal? Chances are, if you are reading this, your current residence is not your permanent residence.

Through the external energies of God, the material world order constantly applies minute-by-minute, sophisticated brainwashing strategies that are so alluring that most of us don’t press pause to contemplate the purpose of life, let alone learn about our relationship with the Absolute. What should actually captivate our full attention? Finding out and experiencing our eternal nature and eternal residence. Who am I, and where is my real home?

The world aims to narrow our vision rather than expand it. This world order lures us into selfishness, where everything revolves around our perspective. There is even a famous expression for this: “Look out for Number One!” This attitude leads to the original change of residence for the soul, who forwards his mail from the spiritual world to his new material residence.

This self-absorbed mentality is the fuel that keeps the fires of Kali-yuga burning. Is there quarreling in the world? Is there hypocrisy in the world? Quarrel and hypocrisy are the two foundation stones upon which Kali-yuga sits.

It is no wonder the world is so dysfunctional, since the whole is made up of its parts, and the vast majority of human souls in this world are conditioned to “Look out for Number One!”

Read more: https://iskconnews.org/coming-of-age-35-whats-your-mailing-address/

 A conversation with His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

In June 1976 at New Vrindaban, a Hare Krishna farm community in West Virginia, Srila Prabhupada fields questions sent to him from the editors of Bhavan’s Journal, one of Bombay’s leading cultural and religious periodicals.

Devotee: Here is the first question:

“It is said that the greatest strength of Hinduism is its catholicity, or breadth of outlook, but that this is also its greatest weakness in that there are very few religious observances that are obligatory for all, as in other religions. Is it necessary and possible to outline certain basic minimum observances for all Hindus?”

Srila Prabhupada: As far as Vedic religion is concerned, it is not for the Hindus; it is for all living entities. That is the first thing to be understood. Vedic religion is called sanatana-dharma, “the eternal occupation of the living entity.” The living entity is sanatana [eternal]. God is sanatana, and there is sanatana-dharma. sanatana-dharma is meant for all living entities, not just the so- called Hindus. Hinduism, this ‘ism’, that ‘ism’—these are all misconceptions. Historically, sanatana-dharma was followed regularly in India, and Indians were called ‘Hindus’ by the Muslims. The Muslims saw that the Indians lived on the other side of the River Sind, and the Muslims pronounces Sind as Hind. Therefore they called India ‘Hindustan’ and the people who lived there ‘Hindus’. But the word Hindu has no reference in the Vedic literature, nor does so-called Hindu dharma. Now that sanatana-dharma or Vedic dharma, is being distorted, not being obeyed, not being carried our properly, it has come to be known as Hinduism. But that is a freak understanding. We have to study sanatana-dharma; then we’ll understand what Vedic religion is. [To a devotee] Read from the Eleventh Chapter of Bhagavad-gita, eighteenth verse.

Devotee: [Reads.]

tvam aksharam paramam veditavyam
tvam asya vishvasya param nidhanam
tvam avyayah shashvata-dharma-gopta
sanatanas tvam purusho mato me

“O Lord Krishna, You are the supreme primal objective; You are inexhaustible, and You are the oldest; You are the maintainer of religion, the eternal Personality of Godhead.”

Srila Prabhupada: This understanding is wanted. Krishna is eternal, we are eternal, and the place where we can live and exchange our feelings with Krishna—that is eternal. And the system that teaches this eternal process of reciprocation—that is sanatana-dharma, which is meant for everyone.

Devotee: So what would be the daily prescribed religious observances followed by one who is aspiring for this sanatana-dharma? What would he do? The complaint is that within Hinduism—or, let’s say, sanatana-dharma—there is such a breadth, there is so much variegatedness in different types—

Srila Prabhupada: Why do you go to variegatedness? Why don’t you take the real purpose of religion from Krishna? Krishna says [ Bg. 18.66], sarva-dharman parityajya mam ekam sharanam vraja: “Give up all other so-called dharmas and just surrender to Me.” Why don’t you take that? Why are you taking up variegated practices under the name of so-called Hinduism? Why don’t you take the advice of the sanatana, Krishna? You refuse to accept sanatana- dharma—what the sanatana, God, says—but you say, “How can we avoid so many varieties and come to the right point?” Why accept varieties? Take to this one consciousness: sarva-dharman parityajya mam ekam sharanam vraja. Why don’t you do that?

Devotee: How can people do this practically, on a daily basis?

Srila Prabhupada: How are we doing it? Is what we are doing not practical? People will manufacture their own impractical way of religion, but they won’t take our practical system. What is that? Man- mana bhava mad-bhakto mad-yaji mam namaskuru: simply think of Krishna, become His devotee, worship Him, and offer obeisances to Him. Where is the difficulty? Where is the impracticality? Krishna says, “This is your duty. If you do this you will come to Me without any doubt.” Why don’t you do that? Why remain Hindu? Why remain Muslim? Why remain Christian? Give up all this nonsense. Just surrender to Krishna and understand, “I am a devotee of Krishna, a servant of Krishna.” Then everything will immediately be resolved.

Devotee: But the Hindus would say, “There are so many other aspects to Hindu dharma.”

Srila Prabhupada: Real dharma is defined in Srimad-Bhagavatam: dharmam tu sakshad bhagavat- pranitam. “What God says—that is dharma.” Now, God says, “Give up all other dharmas and just surrender unto Me.” So take that dharma. Why do you want to remain a Hindu? And besides, what Hindu does not accept the authority of Krishna? Even today, if any Hindu says, “I don’t care for Krishna and Bhagavad-gita” he will immediately be rejected as a madman. Why don’t you take Krishna’s instruction? Why go elsewhere? Your trouble is that you do not know what religion is and you do not know what sanatana-dharma is. In our Krishna consciousness society there are many who were formerly so-called Hindus, so- called Muslims, and so-called Christians, but now they don’t care for “Hindu” or “Muslim” or “Christian.” They care only for Krishna. That’s all. If you follow a false religious system, you suffer; but if you follow a real religious system, you’ll be happy.

Unfortunately, the Indian people gave up the real religious system—sanatana-dharma, or varnashrama- dharma—and accepted a hodgepodge thing called “Hinduism.” Therefore there is trouble. Vedic religion means varnashrama-dharma, the division of society into four social classes and four spiritual orders of life. The four social classes are the brahmanas [priests and intellectuals], the kshatriyas [political leaders and military men], the vaishyas [merchants and farmers], and the shudras [manual laborers]. The four spiritual orders are the brahmacaris [celibate students], the grihasthas [householders], the vanaprasthas [retired persons], and the sannyasis [renunciants]. When all these classes and orders work harmoniously to satisfy, the Lord, that is real religion, or dharma.

Devotee: The next question is this: “In the Kali-yuga, the present Age of Quarrel, bhakti [devotional service to God] has been described as the most suitable path for God realization. Yet how is it that Vedantic teachings, with their accent on jnana [knowledge, or intellectual speculation], are emphasized by noted savants?”

Srila Prabhupada: The so-called Vedantists are cheaters; they do not know what vedanta is. But people want to be cheated, and the cheaters are taking advantage of them. The word veda means “knowledge,” and anta means “end.” So the meaning of vedanta is “the ultimate knowledge,” and the vedanta- sutra teaches this. (A sutra is an aphorism: in a few words, a big philosophy is given.) The first aphorism in the vedanta-sutra is athato brahma- jijnasa:

“Now, in the human form of life, one should inquire about Brahman, the Absolute Truth.” So the study of the vedanta-sutra begins when one is inquisitive about the Absolute Truth. And what is that Absolute Truth? That is answered in a nutshell in the second aphorism. Janmady asya yatah: “Brahman is the origin of everything.” So Brahman is God, the origin of everything. And all veda, or knowledge, culminates in Him. This is confirmed by Krishna in Bhagavad-gita [15.15]. Vedaish ca sarvair aham eva vedyah: “The purpose of all the Vedas, all books of knowledge, is to search out God.”

So the whole vedanta-sutra is a description of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. But because in this Kali-yuga people will not be able to study vedanta-sutra nicely on account of a lack of education, Srila Vyasadeva personally wrote a commentary on the vedanta-sutra. That commentary is Srimad-Bhagavatam {bhashyam brahma-sutranam). Srimad-Bhagavatam is the real commentary on the vedanta-sutra, written by the same author, Vyasadeva, under the instruction of Narada, his spiritual master. Srimad-Bhagavatam begins with the same aphorism as the vedanta-sutra, janmady asya yatah, and then continues, anvayad itaratash cartheshv abhijnah svarat.

So, actually, in the Srimad-Bhagavatam the vedanta-sutra is explained by the author of the vedanta-sutra. But some rascals, without understanding the vedanta-sutra, without reading the natural commentary on the vedanta-sutra, are posing themselves as Vedantists and misguiding people. And because people are not educated, they’re accepting these rascals as Vedantists. Actually, the so-called Vedantists are bluffers; they are not Vedantists. They do not know anything of the vedanta. The vedanta-sutra is explained in Srimad-Bhagavatam, and if we take Srimad-Bhagavatam as the real explanation of the vedanta-sutra we can understand what vedanta is. But if we take shelter of the bluffers, then we will not learn vedanta. People do not know anything, so they can be bluffed and cheated by anyone. But now they should learn from the Krishna consciousness movement what vedanta is and what the explanation of vedanta is. Then they will be benefited.

Devotee: Generally, those who follow the impersonalist commentary on the vedanta-sutra are concerned with liberation from the miseries of the material world. Does Srimad-Bhagavatam also describe liberation?

Srila Prabhupada: Yes. Since Srimad- Bhagavatam is the real commentary on the vedanta- sutra, we find this verse describing liberation in this age:

kaler dosha-nidhe rajann
asti hy eko mahan gunah
kirtanad eva krishnasya
mukta-sangah param vrajet

In this Kali-yuga, which is an ocean full of faults, there is one benediction. What is that? One can become liberated simply by chanting the Hare Krishna mantra. This is real vedanta, and actually it is happening.

Devotee: Are you saying that the conclusion of the vedanta-sutra and the conclusion of the Srimad-Bhagavatam are one and the same—bhakti?

Srila Prabhupada: Yes.

Devotee: But how does bhakti tie in to the conclusion of Vedantic knowledge or wisdom? Here it says that bhakti is the most suitable and easiest path of God realization, but it also says that the Vedantic teachings stress jnana, or knowledge. Is that a fact?

Srila Prabhupada: What is jnana? That is explained by Lord Krishna in Bhagavad-gita [7.19]: bahunam janmanam ante jnanavan mam prapadyate. “After many, many births, he who is actually in knowledge surrenders unto Me.” So unless one surrenders to Krishna, there is no jnana. This impersonalist “jnana” is all nonsense. The impersonalists are passing themselves off as jnanis, but they have no knowledge at all. vedanta means “the ultimate knowledge.” So the subject matter of ultimate knowledge is Krishna, God. If one does not know who God is, who Krishna is, then where is one’s knowledge? But if a rascal claims, “I am a man of knowledge,” then what can be done?

In the same verse we just mentioned, Krishna concludes, vasudevah sarvam iti sa mahatma sudurlabhah: “When one understands that Vasudeva, Krishna, is everything, one is in knowledge.” Before that, there is no knowledge. It is simply misunderstanding. Brahmeti paramatmeti bhagavan iti shabdyate. One may begin by searching out impersonal Brahman by the speculative method, and then one may progress to realization of Paramatma, the localized aspect of the Supreme. That is the secondary stage of realization. But the final stage is understanding the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krishna. So if you do not understand Krishna, where is your knowledge? Halfway knowledge is no knowledge. We want complete knowledge, and that complete knowledge is possible by the grace of Krishna, through Bhagavad-gita.

Devotee: Can I ask the next question, Srila Prabhupada? “Is a guru essential for one to enter the spiritual path and attain the goal? And how does one recognize one’s guru?

Srila Prabhupada: Yes, a guru is necessary. That is explained in the Bhagavad-gita. When Krishna and Arjuna were talking as friends, there was no conclusion. Therefore Arjuna decided to accept Krishna as his guru. [To a devotee} Find out this verse: karpanya-doshopahata-svabhavah …

Devotee: [Reads]

karpanya-doshopahata-svabhavah
pricchami tvam dharma-sammudha- cetah
yac chreyah syan nishcitam bruhi tan me
shishyas te ‘ham shadhi mam tvam prapannam

“Now I am confused about my duty and have lost all composure because of weakness. In this condition I am asking You to tell me clearly what is best for me. Now I am Your disciple and a soul surrendered unto You. Please instruct me.” [Bg. 2.7]

Srila Prabhupada: Not only Arjuna but everyone is perplexed about his duty. Nobody can decide for himself. When a physician is seriously sick, he does not prescribe his own treatment. He knows his brain is not in order, so he calls for another physician. Similarly, when we are perplexed, bewildered, when we cannot reach any solution—at that time the right person to search out is the guru. It is essential; you cannot avoid it.

So, in our present state of existence we are all perplexed. And under the circumstances, a guru is required to give us real direction. Arjuna represents the perplexed materialistic person who surrenders to a guru. And to set the example Arjuna decided on Krishna as his guru. He did not go to anyone else. So the real guru is Krishna. Krishna Krishna is guru not only for Arjuna but for everyone. If we take instruction from Krishna and abide by that instruction, our life is successful. The mission of the Krishna consciousness movement is to get everyone to accept Krishna as guru. That is our mission. We don’t say, “I am Krishna.” We never say that. We simply ask people, “Please abide by the orders of Krishna.”

Devotee: Some of these so-called gurus will say some things that Krishna says, but they’ll give other instructions also. What is the position of such persons?

Srila Prabhupada: They are most dangerous. Most dangerous. They are opportunists. According to the customer, they give some teachings so he will be pleased. Such a person is not a guru; he’s a servant. He wants to serve his so-called disciples so that they may be satisfied and pay him something. A real guru is not a servant of his disciples; he is their master. If one becomes a servant, if he wants to please the disciples by flattering them to get their money, then he is not a guru. A guru should also be a servant, yes—but a servant of the Supreme. The literal meaning of the word guru is “heavy”—heavy with knowledge and authority, because his knowledge and authority come from Krishna. You cannot utilize the guru for satisfying your whims.

Krishna says, sarva-dharman parityajya mam ekam sharanam vraja: “Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me.” And we say the same thing:

“Surrender to Krishna. Give up all other ideas of so- called dharma, or religiosity.” We don’t say, “I am the authority.” No, we say, “Krishna is the authority, and you should try to understand Krishna.” This is the Krishna consciousness movement.

ISKCON belongs to the Gaudiya Vaisnava sampradaya (denomination or tradition), a monotheistic tradition within Vedic or Hindu culture. Hindu culture is vast, and the term encompasses numerous theologies, philosophies religious traditions and spiritual cultures. Thus, dialogue with Hindu traditions has been difficult for many seeking such dialogue. There are no official representatives of Hinduism, as the term Hinduism does not imply a single spiritual tradition. This statement therefore is representative of Hindu culture and religion as ISKCON, as a Vedantic, monotheistic Vaisnava tradition.

By His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

An ideal government will treat all its citizens, both humans and nonhumans, equally, without envy.

dhrtarashtra uvaca
dharma-ksetre kuru-ksetre
samaveta yuyutsavah
mamakah pandavas caiva kim akurvata sanjaya
[Bhagavad-gita 1.1]

In the history of Mahabharata, there was a dispute in the same family who would occupy the throne. Dhrtarashtra was the eldest son of the king, and the next was Pandu, By the law of primogeniture, the eldest son becomes the king. In your country, England, even girl child, Queen Elizabeth, also occupies the throne. Formerly there was Queen Victoria; before that, another Elizabeth. But in India woman has no such right. The general regulation is that woman should remain under the protection of father, husband and children. Just like these Pandus, their mother, Kunti, was a very qualified lady. But stili, after the death of her husband, she always remained with the sons. When the sons went to the forest, she also went. Their wife, Draupadi, also accompanied them.

Dhrtarashtra was the eldest son, but he had a bodily defect he was blind. Therefore he was not awarded the throne. His next brother, Pandu, was offered the throne, but he died at an early age, while he was a young man. When the Pandavas – Yudhisthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, Sahadeva – were small children, they were taken care of by Dhrtarashtra and other elders like Bhishmadeva, the grandfather of the Pandavas. Bhishma was the elder brother of Dhrtarashtra’s father, and the kingdom belonged to him. But he remained a brahmachari, unmarried. Therefore his nephews, Dhrtarashtra and Pandu, became the inheritors.

After the death of Pandu, there was a conspiracy. Dhrtarashtra felt, “Actually, this is my kingdom. Somehow or other, I could not get it. Now my brother is dead. So if I do not inherit, why not my sons?” This was the politics. Politics is always there, accompanied by enviousness, jealousy. This is the nature of this material world. You cannot avoid it. Spiritual world means just the opposite. There is no politics, jealousy, or enviousness. That is spiritual world. And material world means politics, jealousy, diplomacy, enviousness so many things. This is material world. So even in the heavenly planets, these things are there. Even in animal kingdom, politics is there. This is the nature-matsarata. Matsarata means enviousness. One man is envious of another man. It doesn’t matter, even they are brothers or family members. Here the family members, Dhrtarashtra and Pandu, were two brothers of the same family, but the enviousness crept in.

So the Krishna consciousness movement is not for the persons who are envious. It is a movement to train people how to become non-envious. Yes, it is very first-class scientific movement not to become envious. Therefore Srimad-Bhagavatam (1.1.2) in the beginning declares dharmah projjhita-kaitavoatra. In this Srimad-Bhagavatam, dharma, cheating type of religious principle is completely eradicated, thrown away, projjhita. They are kicked out, projjhita. Just like you collect all the dirty things from the room, sweep them and then kick out; you don’t keep it within the room. Similarly, cheating type of religious system kicked out. It is not such religion, “this religion,” “that religion.” Any religion system, if there is jealousy, it is not religion. We should understand what jealousy is. Jealousy means that you are rightful owner of something; I won’t allow you to take it. This is jealousy; try to understand it. Suppose you are the rightful owner of something, and I am trying to own it, that is jealousy.

So what is the rightful ownership of the living entity, what is our birthright? That is to be understood. Everyone has a right to live under the protection of the government. A good government should give security of life and property to everyone, to both humans and non-humans. Not that I give protection to my brother, and not to others. Just like Pariksit Maharaja: he was giving protection to the animals also. When he was on his tour, as soon as he saw that a black man was trying to kill one cow, he immediately took his sword and challenged, “Who are you? You are trying to kill?”

So this is good government. The government must be equal to everyone, just as God is equal to everyone. The king or the government must be the representative of God. Therefore, according to Vedic civilization, the king is offered as good respect as to the Supreme Personality of Godhead. The king is called nara-deva, which means”God in human form,” because he acts as the representative of God. He cannot be jealous to any living entity, at least, to those born in his kingdom. Praja means one who has taken birth, or, in other words, national. So that was the duty.

So formerly, when there was fight between two kings, it was on the principle that who is giving good protection to the citizens. The war was not for personal profit. One who is able to give good protection, life, security for life and property, he should become the king. So these persons, this Dhrtarashtra and his sons, they were jealous. How they could give protection to the citizens? They are themselves jealous. Just like nowadays, all these politicians, they are jealous. They cannot give any protection to the citizens. They are simply interested with their party politics. They have no time even to think how to give nice protection to the citizens so that they may feel happy always that “We have got good government. There is no cause of anxiety. We have got sufficient food, sufficient protection, sufficient opulence, everything sufficient.” That is good government.

So here, Dhrtarashtra is jealous. He cannot give any good government. Krishna knew it. Krishna sent a messenger, Akrura. You have read in the Srimad-Bhagavatam. Before this Battle of Kurukshetra from Dvaraka, He sent his uncle Akrura: “Just go to Hastinapura, New Delhi, and see what is the situation.” So Akrura understood that Dhrtarashtra was planning something. So he talked with him that “Why you are implicated in such planning? Krishna does not want it.” Dhrtarashtra knew that Krishna was the Supreme Personality of Godhead. So Dhrtarashtra said that “I know that what I am planning, that is not good. I know Krishna the Supreme Personality of Godhead. And He has requested me. But I tell you frankly, I cannot do without it. So when Krishna will be pleased upon me, I may be.”

So this is the position of the materialistic person. A materialistic person knows that he is sinful. A materialistic person knows that whatever he is doing is wrong, but he cannot check. Just like the thief. A thief knows that if he commits stealing, he will be arrested, he will be punished. He knows. Because he heard from law books, from other sources, and he has also seen that a thief is arrested and he is taken by the police for being punished. So we have got two kinds of experiences: by hearing and by seeing directly. In Bengali it is called, dekha-suna. The two kinds of experience: one by seeing, practically experiencing, hand to hand; another by hearing. So one who is intelligent, he gets his experience simply by hearing from the right source. That is nice.

So our process is that we are getting experience about the perfect knowledge, the destination of life, simply by hearing from Krishna, So we are the most intelligent person. It is not possible to experience directly, but if one has got intelligence, then simply by hearing and considering and thinking over it, he gets the experience. So those who are very sinful, they get experience by hearing and by direct, directly seeing also; still, they cannot check from sinful activities. So Dhrtarashtra, by his sinful activities he became so much fallen that he did not hear anybody’s advice, Vidura’s advice, Bhishma’s advice, that “Don’t plan like this. The Pandavas are the rightful owners. They are minor, but don’t try to cheat them.”

So the planning was complete and the war field was set up at dharma-ksetre kuru-kshetre. Dharma-kshetre means, kuru-kshetre, that place is a pilgrimage. People still go to observe religious ritualistic performances. And in the Vedas there is injunction, kuru-kshetre dharmam acaret: “If you want to perform some ritualistic ceremonies, religious, then go to Kurukshetra.” So Kurukshetra is a dharma-kshetra. It is a not fictitious thing, just like rascal commentators say, “Kurukshetra means this body.” It is not that. Try to understand Bhagavad-gita as it is. Kurukshetra, dharma-kshetre. It is a place of religion. And especially when Krishna was present there, it is already. Why this house? Before our occupation, why this house was an ordinary house? Now it is temple. It is dharma-ksetra. it is a religious place. Why? Because Krishna is there. Krishna is there. So either you take Kuruksetra, ordinary place. But because in the battlefield Krishna was there directing Arjuna. So it is already dharma-ksetre.

So formerly people were religiously trained up. So they could not speak lies in a dharma-ksetra. That is still the practice. Just like in the western world, the Christians go to the church, they admit, confession, “Yes, I have done it.” But that has become a formality. But actually, one should admit in religious place that “Yes, I have done this.” But that does not mean you admit and again do it. No. You admit once, then you are excused. But don’t do it again.

So here Dhrtarashtra says, samaveta yuyutsavah [Gita 1.1]. Mamakah. That means “my sons,” and pandava, “my brother Pandu’s sons.” Samaveta, “they assembled.” What is the purpose? The purpose is yuyutsavah. This word yuyutsu is still used in Japan. Perhaps you know, yuyutsa, fighting. So yuyutsu, those who are desirous of fighting. Now, both the parties were desiring to fight, and they assembled. Why he is asking question, kim akurvata: “What did they do”? Because he was little doubtful that “These boys, after being assembled in Dharma-ksetra kuru-kshetre, they might have changed their ideas. They might have settled up.” Actually, the sons of Dhrtarashtra might have admitted, “Yes, Pandavas, you are actually the owner. What is the use of unnecessarily fighting?” So he was very much anxious whether they had changed their decision. Therefore he is asking. Otherwise there was no question of asking, kim akurvata. Just like if you are given food, if I ask somebody that “Such and such gentleman was served with nice dishes. Then what did he do?” This is a foolish question. He would eat. That’s all. (laughter) Similarly, when it is already settled up that they were to fight, there was no such question as kim akurvata, “What did they do?” But he asked this question because he was doubtful whether they had changed their opinion.

Kim akurvata sanjaya [Bg. 1.11.] He was asking his secretary. He was blind man. He was always conducted by his secretary Sanjaya, a very faithful secretary. And he is explaining the Bhagavad-gita by experiencing, by television within the heart. That art is not yet developed. You have got television through machine, but there is another television you can see within your heart everything, what is going on outside. Sanjaya says that by the grace of Vyasadeva, he learned this televisioning, and he was sitting with his master within the room and he was actually seeing how the fighting is going on. And he was explaining. This is the basic principle of Bhagavad-gita, I mean, the basic platform. Thank you very much. Hare Krishna

Source: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=16417

By Radha Mohan Das

Every Sunday at 7:00am sharp, devotees and friends gather outside Stanmore Station to begin a 5.5-mile walk to Bhaktivedanta Manor. Taking around 1 hour and 30 minutes for most participants, the walk is quickly growing in popularity.

The driving force behind this inspiring initiative is Yashu Shah, who shared:

“I’ve been walking every morning for an hour for the past 15 years, mainly for health reasons. Then, at the start of spring in March, just four of us began walking this route together. By last week, that number had grown to 18.

It’s more than just a walk—it’s a pilgrimage. It’s an opportunity to have darshan first thing in the morning, and then engage in service.”

Other participants shared their motivations:

“I am motivated by my attraction to Lord Krishna, as well as the health benefits. It’s a beautiful way to start the morning. On the way to Bhaktivedanta Manor, we chant—something we don’t always get the opportunity to do in our busy lives.

By the time I reach the Manor, I don’t even feel like I’ve walked over five miles. Sometimes I chant out loud, sometimes in my head. That’s why I’ve become a regular. When the colder months come, I hope Lord Krishna will give
us the strength to continue!”

— Rita

“A joy to walk with Krishna’s devotees and share their association.”

— 
Shalien

“It keeps you physically and spiritually fit. You can chant all the way there and truly enjoy the journey. You get to visit the temple, have darshan, and take prasad—it’s a complete experience.”

—
Bipin Gor

“I join Yasu on his regular morning walks throughout the week. One day he invited me to take part in a padayatra—a sacred walk—from Stanmore Station to the Hare Krishna temple. I thought, what better way to spend my walking days? My hobby suddenly felt more purposeful.”

—
B. S. Shah

“I joined because a good friend invited me. I thought it would be a great way to keep fit and meet people. It’s also a wonderful way to break free from the shackles of everyday pressures.”

—
Mehul Shah

Yashu offered these final words as an open invitation:

“Everyone is welcome to join—people of all ages. It’s a chance to get fit, bring your family, and share in the knowledge and experience of the temple.

Parking is easy around Stanmore on a Sunday morning, and you can join us at any point along the route. If you prefer a shorter walk, you can park on Wood Lane, off Stanmore Hill near the hospital.”

Source: https://www.dandavats.com/?p=117902

By Parijata devi dasi

Devotee Care in ISKCON: Building a Culture of Care

Devotee Care (DC) is an important and growing initiative within ISKCON aimed at nurturing the well-being of devotees and fostering a culture of care and support within the ISKCON community. Rooted in the instructions of Srila Prabhupada, Devotee Care seeks to ensure that devotees feel valued, supported, and connected.

Devotee Care broadly addresses 12 Areas of Care, which together cover the holistic needs of a devotee:

Spiritual Life & Care

Healthcare (Physical, Mental & Emotional)

Marriage, Sex & Relationships

Child-rearing & Childcare

Education & Training

Career & Employment

Financial Care

Housing

Travel & Immigration

Consumer & Lifestyle

Legal & Civic Care

Mediation Advice

At the heart of this initiative is the vision of building a caring and spiritually nourishing community for all devotees. According to Gauranga Das, DC Global Director, “Devotee Care is an expression of Vaishnava culture, where devotees support one another with sincerity, compassion, and practical care, helping create an environment in which devotees can remain inspired and steady in their Krishna consciousness.”

Devotee Care Training & Expansion
To support the growth of Devotee Care initiatives worldwide, Devotee Care courses and workshops are being conducted across the world by Damodar Das, Jai Nitai Das and their team.

These training programs aim to educate, equip and empower devotees with tools and sensitivity required to care for each other.

Damodar Das, Global DC Course Facilitator and Coordinator, shares “Devotee Care initiative is not to create departments of care but a culture of care. Devotee Care is a way of living in the spiritual world. Thus Devotee Care initiative aims at creating communities of care or in other words, Vaikuntha Communities. For the Devotee Care initiative to be successful, each devotee needs to look after his/her diverse needs (self care), seek qualified help within the community (seek care) and then wholeheartedly Extend Care to others.”

He further states,”At the completion of DC training, temple leadership is encouraged to identify at least one devotee or a small team to take responsibility for encouraging and involving the community devotees to share their love and care with each other. This alone can help establish a sustainable ecosystem of Care within the community.”

A Global Network of Devotee Care Resources
Across the world, many devotees are already offering valuable seva, expertise, and resources in the 12 Areas of Care. To make such support more accessible to the wider devotee community, the Global Devotee Care Committee is developing a Global Devotee Care Resource Directory.

Devotees who wish to contribute can:

Identify their Area of Care from the 12 areas listed above.

Refer to the “ISKCON Devotee Care Resource Areas Overview” document to determine the specific type of support they can offer:
ISKCON Devotee Care Resource Areas Overview

Submit their details through the “Call for Devotee Care Resource Contributors” form:
Call for Devotee Care Resource Contributors Form

Speaking about the importance of this initiative, Gauranga Das shared, “Many devotees across ISKCON are already offering valuable services and support in different areas of life. This initiative is an effort to bring these offerings together in a more organized way, so that devotees can easily access help when needed. All devotees are invited to participate, contribute, and support this initiative according to their capacity and inspiration.”

For more information on Devotee Care, devotees can visit:
devoteecare.org

By Atma Tattva Das, 

The ISKCON Ministry of Education is entering an exciting new phase of global development. This phase is characterized by expanded initiatives aimed at strengthening educational standards, enriching curricula, and supporting schools and learning communities across the worldwide movement.

As ISKCON continues to grow in diverse cultural and geographic contexts, the demand for structured, accessible, and spiritually grounded education has become increasingly important. Rooted in Srila Prabhupada’s vision of education as a means to cultivate spiritual understanding alongside practical life skills, the Ministry is dedicated to establishing comprehensive systems that serve devotees and the broader society alike.

Read more: https://iskconnews.org/help-iskcons-education-ministry-expands-its-global-vision/

We traveled about 4 hours north of Manila to do some programs at a Nama-hatta outreach centre with a couple of van loads of devotees from Taguig and Laguna. It was a long weekend so the traffic was horrendous.

Nevertheless, we all enjoyed the trip chanting japa and had nice prasadam along the way. Once there the centre programs were great and on Sunday morning we went to a famous holiday place nearby for “beach kirtan” and prasadam.

Source: https://ramaiswami.com/harinama-at-the-beach-philippines/

We are entering the sacred month of Purusottama, which comes once every three years and is said to be three times more potent than Kartik. During this month, devotees increase their chanting and hearing, and in particular they read Chapter 15 of the Bhagavad-gita, “Purusottama-yoga,” daily.

In a previous age during the Purusottama Month, Kaundinya Muni repeatedly chanted the following mantra every day throughout the sacred Adhika Masa:

govardhana dharam vande
  gopalam gopa rupinam
gokulotsavam isanam
  govindam gopika priyam

 “I offer my respectful obeisances unto the Supreme Lord Sri Krishna, who lifted the Govardhana Hill. He is the maintainer and protector of the cows. He assumed the form of a cowherd boy and performed various transcendental pastimes. He is the great joy and grand festival of Gokula. He is the supreme controller and master of everything and everyone. He gives pleasure to the cows and the senses. He is the beloved of the cowherd damsels of Vrindavan.”

The scriptures state that by chanting this mantra thirty-three times every day with devotion during the Purusottama month, one will attain the mercy of Sri Purusottama (Sri Krishna), and attain the fulfillment of all their spiritual desires.

Hare Krishna.

Source: https://girirajswami.com/blog/?p=19089

Understanding the Glory of Purushottama Month

Purushottama Month, also known as Adhik Masa, is an extra lunar month that appears approximately every three years to harmonize the lunar and solar calendars. While materially minded people once considered this month inauspicious because it was not assigned for worldly ceremonies and rituals, Lord Krishna Himself transformed its destiny by bestowing upon it His own name — Purushottama, “The Supreme Personality.”

The scriptures describe how this neglected month approached Lord Vishnu in deep sorrow after being rejected by all. Moved by compassion, Lord Krishna granted this month extraordinary spiritual potency, declaring that anyone who sincerely worships Him during this sacred time receives immense spiritual benefit and special mercy.

For devotees, Purushottama Month is not ordinary time. It is a sacred invitation to deepen one’s relationship with Krishna through sincere chanting, hearing, service, prayer, simplicity, and spiritual reflection.

As Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu beautifully describes in the first verse of His Shikshashtakam:

“ceto-darpaṇa-mārjanam”
“The chanting of the Holy Name cleanses the mirror of the heart.”

To chant is to purify the heart and make it a suitable place for the Lord to reside.
---
# The Purpose of Purushottama Month

Purushottama Month is an opportunity for spiritual acceleration.

In our normal routines, spiritual life can sometimes become mechanical or distracted. This sacred month invites us to pause, simplify our lives, and intentionally increase our Krishna consciousness.

The focus is not merely external austerity, but internal purification:

* More sincere chanting
* More attentive hearing
* More remembrance of Krishna
* More humility
* More devotional association
* More service

This month is meant to nourish devotion, not ego. Even a small offering performed with sincerity during Purushottama Month carries immense spiritual value.
---
# Recommended Practices During Purushottama Month

The scriptures and Vaishnava tradition recommend increasing devotional activities during this month. One may adopt practical vows according to one’s capacity and maintain them steadily throughout the month.

## 1. Increase Chanting of the Holy Name

The heart of Purushottama Month is increased remembrance of Krishna through chanting.

* Chant attentively every day
* Increase one’s rounds if possible
* Attend japa sessions
* Avoid inattentive chanting
* Create a peaceful atmosphere for chanting

The Holy Name cleanses the dust accumulated for years on the mirror of the heart.

---

## 2. Rise Early

If possible, wake during Brahma-muhurta (before sunrise), the most spiritually uplifting time of the day.

Morning spiritual practices performed during this time greatly nourish the mind and consciousness.
---
## 3. Read Sacred Scriptures Daily

Especially recommended:

* Bhagavad-gita
* Srimad Bhagavatam
* Krishna Book
* Teachings of Srila Prabhupada
* Pastimes of Radha and Krishna

Daily hearing purifies consciousness and strengthens spiritual conviction.
---
## 4. Offer Simple Worship

One may offer:

* Ghee lamp
* Incense
* Flowers
* Tulasi leaves
* Kirtan or bhajans
* Simple heartfelt prayers

Even simple worship offered with sincerity becomes spiritually powerful during this month.
---
## 5. Associate with Devotees

Association deeply influences consciousness.

Whenever possible:

* Attend temple programs
* Join online satsangs or japa groups
* Hear from senior devotees
* Engage in Krishna-katha
* Encourage others spiritually
---
## 6. Practice Simplicity

Purushottama Month is a time for spiritual focus and inner reflection.

Many devotees choose to:

* Reduce unnecessary entertainment
* Spend less time on social media
* Eat simpler meals
* Speak less frivolously
* Live more intentionally

Simplicity creates space for remembrance of Krishna.
---
# Foods to Eat During Purushottama Month

The emphasis is not harsh renunciation, but purity and mindfulness.

Recommended:

* Simple sattvic vegetarian meals
* Fresh fruits
* Grains
* Milk preparations
* Nuts and dry fruits
* Simple home-cooked prasadam
* Ekadashi-friendly preparations on fasting days

Most importantly:
All food should first be offered to Krishna before honoring it as prasadam.
---
# Foods and Habits to Avoid

During this sacred month, devotees traditionally try to avoid:

* Onion and garlic
* Non-vegetarian food
* Intoxication
* Gambling
* Excessive eating
* Gossip and criticism
* Idle entertainment
* Harsh speech
* Laziness and oversleeping

The purpose is not merely restriction, but purification of consciousness.

---

# Important “Don’ts” During Purushottama Month

The scriptures especially caution against:

* Criticizing devotees
* Engaging in unnecessary arguments
* Speaking ill of others
* Excessive material discussions
* Sense gratification-centered activities

Purushottama Month flourishes in an atmosphere of humility, sincerity, and respect.
---
# Charity and Service

Acts of charity performed during this month are considered highly auspicious.

One may:

* Support devotional projects
* Sponsor prasadam distribution
* Donate spiritual books
* Assist temple services
* Help devotees
* Offer seva according to one’s means

Service offered with devotion attracts the mercy of the Lord.
---
# The Mood of the Month

Purushottama Month is not meant to become a competition of austerities.

The true spirit of this month is:

* Sincerity over performance
* Devotion over display
* Transformation over pressure
* Connection over perfection

Even one sincere prayer offered during this month can deeply affect one’s spiritual life.
---
# A Sacred Invitation

Purushottama Month comes rarely, and its blessings are extraordinary.

This is a sacred opportunity to:

* Reconnect with Krishna
* Purify the heart
* Deepen one’s chanting
* Build spiritual consistency
* Strengthen devotional practices
* Receive the special mercy of Lord Purushottama

May this holy month inspire us to chant with greater sincerity, serve with greater humility, and remember Krishna with deeper love.

Hare Krishna.

Source: https://www.mayapur.com/en/blog/purushottama-month-a-golden-opportunity-for-spiritual-renewal

By Radha Mohan Dasa  

Dedicated volunteers from Bhaktivedanta Manor were recently honored with an invitation to the annual King’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace.

Hosted each year by the British monarch, the prestigious event recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions through public service, community engagement, and charitable work.

Among those invited were Ketan Patel and Ashok Parmar, accompanied by their wives, in recognition of their many years of devoted voluntary service.

“Ketan Patel has long supported the community through his involvement in Radharani’s Bakery, Sunday kitchen cooking, the Volunteers Care Council, and ticketing services at Bhaktivedanta Manor,” explained Krishna Purna dasi. “His steady and humble service has benefited thousands of visitors and devotees over the years.

For the full article, click here.

Read more: https://iskconnews.org/bhaktivedanta-manor-volunteers-invited-to-the-kings-garden-party/