By Giriraj Swami

Today is the disappearance day of Srila Gaurakisora dasa Babaji Maharaja. Srila Gaurakisora dasa Babaji was a great devotee - a maha-bhagavata. He was a disciple of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura and was very renounced. He had lived for many years in Vrindavan, roaming the twelve forests, chanting the holy names of Krishna, eating by begging alms, and sleeping under trees. Later, after Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura discovered Lord Chaitanya’s birthplace in Mayapur, Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja, the siksa-guru of Bhaktivinoda Thakura and parama-guru of Gaurakisora dasa Babaji, instructed Gaurakisora to move to Navadvipa-dhama.

There Gaurakisora resided on the banks of the Ganges and practiced devotional service with intense devotion and renunciation. Because materialistic men would come and disturb him with their desires for mundane blessings (asirvada), the babaji began to stay by a municipal lavatory, where the filth and obnoxious smells would discourage unwanted visitors. There he would chant in peace—in ecstasy. He would beg alms and cook in discarded clay pots, or eat parched rice with green chilies, or just ingest Ganges mud. Sometimes he would collect the discarded cloth from the crematorium, wash it in Ganges water, and use it to cover himself. His only desire was to be absorbed in the mellow of the holy name—in Krishna consciousness.

Gaurakisora was a siksa disciple and intimate friend of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura. The Thakura arranged a bhajana-kutira for him on the same property as Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s house in Godruma-dvipa. When the time came for Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura to take diksa, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura advised him to approach Srila Gaurakisora dasa Babaji Maharaja. Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura was the father of Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati and his first instructor in the spiritual science, but the etiquette was that one would not take diksa from one’s biological father. So Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura sent him to Gaurakisora dasa Babaji Maharaja.

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura was highly literate. By the age of seven, he had memorized the entire Bhagavad-gita and could even explain its verses. He had a photographic memory, and in school he read all the books in the entire library. Just by reading them once, he could remember every word, and so the library purchased new books just for him. By the age of twenty-five, he had written numerous articles and published a book, Surya-siddhanta, for which he was awarded the title “Siddhanta Sarasvati.” So, he was highly educated and literate, whereas Srila Gaurakisora dasa Babaji Maharaja was hardly educated or literate at all.

The first time Siddhanta Sarasvati approached Srila Gaurakisora dasa Babaji Maharaja, the babaji refused to accept him. He didn’t directly say no, but he said, “I will ask Mahaprabhu.” When Siddhanta Sarasvati returned and told his father what had happened, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura encouraged him to persevere: “You must go back and beg him with all humility and earnestness to accept you.” So, he went back, and Gaurakisora dasa Babaji again refused, saying, “Oh, I forgot to ask Mahaprabhu. I am so sorry.” When Siddhanta Sarasvati returned home, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura was most upset. He knew that Gaurakisora dasa Babaji was a pure devotee, and he urged Siddhanta Sarasvati to persist; he again instructed his son to beg Gaurakisora for his mercy, and he added, “If you fail this time, don’t bother to come back home.”

So, Siddhanta Sarasvati left the house and went to the Ganges. He felt so hopeless, he thought he might as well just drown himself in the river. Just then, Srila Gaurakisora dasa Babaji Maharaja appeared; he knew what was in his future disciple’s heart. Siddhanta Sarasvati just threw himself at the lotus feet of Srila Gaurakisora dasa Babaji in abject humility and complete surrender. Finally, Srila Gaurakisora dasa Babaji accepted him. Siddhanta Sarasvati had shown that he was free from any tinge of false pride even though he was so learned and literate and his guru was uneducated.

Srila Prabhupada remarked that Gaurakisora dasa Babaji was illiterate and could not even sign his name, yet he became the spiritual master of Sarasvati Thakura, the best scholar of his time. And thus he proved the statement of the Vedas:

yasya deve para bhaktir
  yatha-deve tatha gurau
tasyaite kathita hy arthah
  prakasante mahatmanah

“Only unto those great souls who have implicit faith in both the Lord and the spiritual master are all the imports of Vedic knowledge automatically revealed.” (Svetasvatara Upanisad 6.23)

Although Gaurakisora dasa Babaji was hardly educated or literate, learned scholars and public servants would approach him with their questions on Srimad-Bhagavatam and other shastras, and, with his realized knowledge, he would answer their questions to their full satisfaction. Sometimes devotees would read various scriptures for him and he would comment on them from his deep spiritual realization.

Still, out of his great humility, Srila Gaurakisora dasa Babaji Maharaja refused to accept any disciples; Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura was the only exception.

Gaurakisora dasa Babaji enjoined Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati never to go to Calcutta, which he considered “a bastion of Kali-yuga.” So Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati remained in Mayapur. In 1905 he took a vow to chant the Hare Krishna mantra a billion times. Residing in a grass hut near the birthplace of Lord Chaitanya, he chanted the Hare Krishna mantra day and night. He cooked rice once a day in an earthen pot (or just parched the rice in the sun) and ate nothing more. He slept on the ground, and when the rainwater leaked through the grass ceiling, he sat beneath an umbrella, chanting. Locked in a small room, he chanted japa day and night, day after day, month after month, year after year. Finally, when he had completed his quota, he felt that he was ready to come out and preach. And to preach he went to Calcutta.

In a talk at the Ardha-kumbha-mela in Allahabad, Srila Prabhupada raised the point that Srila Gaurakisora dasa Babaji had instructed Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati never to go to Calcutta but that everyone knows he went to Calcutta. So, Srila Prabhupada questioned whether Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati had disobeyed the orders of his spiritual master. “No!” Srila Prabhupada declared. “He was never in Calcutta; he was always in Vaikuntha!”

So, we pray to Srila Gaurakisora dasa Babaji:

namo gaura-kisoraya
  saksad-vairagya-murtaye
vipralambha-rasambodhe
  padambhujaya te namah

He is saksad-vairagya-murtaye, the personification of renunciation (vairagya); and vipralambha-rasambodhe, always merged in the ocean of the mellow of separation from Krishna (vipralambha-rasa). Padambhujaya te namah: “I offer my respectful obeisances unto his lotus feet.”

That was the mood of Srila Gaurakisora dasa Babaji Maharaja: he was always merged in that nectarean ocean of devotion in separation, and he had no care for his body or for anything material—just hari-nama.

He wrote a beautiful song that is completely in the mood of Raghunatha dasa Gosvami. It is said that of the Six Gosvamis, Raghunatha dasa was the most attached to the service of Srimati Radharani—that he had the most intense desire to serve Srimati Radharani—and Gaurakisora dasa Babaji wrote a beautiful song in that mood. He begins with a refrain: kotai go premamayi, radhe radhe, radhe radhe—“Where is Radha, so full of love? Radhe, Radhe, Radhe, Radhe!” Then he proceeds to express the mood of Raghunatha dasa Gosvami in separation from Radharani, desiring and aspiring for Her service.

When Srila Gaurakisora dasa Babaji Maharaja left this world, there was some dispute over what would happen to his body. His samadhi would of course become an important place of pilgrimage, and some of the heads of the local Vaishnava centers saw this as an opportunity to raise money—for their mathas and even for their own sense gratification. Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati ran to the site, but when he arrived, some of the local babajis objected: “He is not a sannyasi; how can he give samadhi to such an exalted and renounced personality?” But Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati responded forcefully: “I am the only disciple of Babaji Maharaja, and although I have not accepted sannyasa, I am a celibate brahmachari, not secretly addicted to abominable habits or involved with illicit activities. Who among you can say that in the last year he had no sex or illicit contact with a woman? Please step forward.” Everyone was silent. Then he challenged, “Who has refrained for the last six months?” Everyone was silent. Next, “For the last three months?” Again, silence. “For the last one month?” Silence. “The last three days?” Still silence. They had been exposed and humbled. Not one of the babajis was fit to even touch the transcendental form of Srila Gaurakisora dasa Babaji Maharaja, and one by one they walked away.

Even then there remained some question about how to handle the body, which was still lying on the ground. Out of his great humility, Srila Gaurakisora dasa Babaji Maharaja had instructed that when he departed, his body should be dragged through the streets of Navadvipa so that it would be bathed in the dust from the feet of the Vaishnavas who had walked the holy ground of the dhama. So, some of the townspeople proposed to take the body and drag it through the streets of Navadvipa. Such fools! Such rascals! But Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura stopped them. “Although we are fools and offenders,” he said, “still we can try to understand the true meaning of Babaji Maharaja’s humble request. After the departure of Thakura Haridasa, Lord Chaitanya Himself took the spiritually blissful body of the Thakura on His lap and danced. Following the divine example of Mahaprabhu, let us also bear Babaji Maharaja’s blissful body on our own heads.”

So, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati took charge of the body and placed it in samadhi on the western side of the Ganges, across from Mayapur. In time, the river’s course changed and its waters threatened the area of the samadhi. So Srila Bhaktisiddhanta brought the samadhi to Mayapur, to his matha. There he had created a replica of Vrindavan, with tamala trees and kadamba trees, with Syama-kunda and Radha-kunda, and with a small Govardhana Hill made of govardhana-silas. Most appropriately, he placed the new samadhi by the side of Radha-kunda, and that is where the transcendental remains of Srila Gaurakisora dasa Babaji still rest today. One can go there and pray to him and feel his presence and get his mercy.

Srila Gaurakisora dasa Babaji Maharaja is an ocean of mercy (all pure Vaishnavas are). I pray that he will help me to chant the holy name, to chant with taste. When I prayed to him earlier—and this may just be my speculation—I imagined that he said, “You must give up your offenses.” Then I was thinking, “What offenses?” And then I imagined that he answered, “You must chant with attention.”

Of course, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura does state that inattentive chanting is the root of all other offenses and that, conversely, attentive chanting will destroy all the other offenses. “But how do I do that?” I asked. And the answer came: “You must try. You just have to make the effort.” And I suppose that is always the process—that we make our honest effort and depend on the mercy of the acharyas and Krishna.

In my case, however, my chanting sometimes becomes such a routine that I do not even make the effort to hear every word or every mantra. I just do it. I just go through the motions. So, I guess that is my challenge, my special order—to chant with attention.

Devotees often raise the question of chanting with quality. When on a morning walk a disciple asked Srila Prabhupada, “How can we chant with quality?” Prabhupada replied, “The quality will come. For now, just chant as a matter of duty; chant your sixteen rounds. When the quality comes, there will be no force. You will have taste, and spontaneously you will desire, ‘Why sixteen rounds? Why not sixteen thousand rounds?’ Rupa Gosvami desired, ‘How shall I chant with one tongue and hear with two ears? Had I billions of tongues and trillions of ears, then I could relish chanting.’ ”

Srila Prabhupada said that quality means asakti, attachment, and that Chaitanya Mahaprabhu showed this quality: “Sunyayitam jagat sarvam govinda-virahena me: ‘Oh, I do not see Govinda. The whole world is vacant.’ Sunyayitam jagat sarvam govinda-virahena me. This is quality.” When one feels viraha-bhava, when one feels separation from Radha and Krishna, one is chanting with quality.

 Srila Gaurakisora dasa Babaji is an ocean of mercy, and we pray for his grace.

Hare Krishna.

[A talk by Giriraj Swami on Gaurakisora dasa Babaji’s disappearance day, November 22, 2004, Dallas]

Source: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=7842

SRILA GAURA-KISORA DASA BABAJI 

RENUNCIATION PERSONIFIED

Srila Gaura-Kisora dasa Babaji is the spiritual master of Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura. He was born in a vaisya family in a small village beside Padma River in Bangladesh. Following his father, he earned his livelihood by selling grains. He was devotionally inclined from childhood and spent many hours singing bhajans and hearing Krishna-katha. He was married very young but when his wife died in 1849, he immediately left home and went to Vrindavan. For the next 30 years he lived in Vrindavan wandering around the forests and pastime places of Srimati Radharani and Lord Sri Krishna while absorbed in chanting Holy Names:

HARE KRISHNA HARE KRISHNA KRISHNA KRISHNA HARE HARE|

HARE RAMA HARE RAMA RAMA RAMA HARE HARE||

He would lie prostrate, offering his humble obeisances to the residents of Vraja, considering them as embodiments of Lord Krishna. During this time he took Babaji initiation from Bhagavata dasa, a disciple of Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji.

Srila Gaura-Kisora dasa Babaji was a renunciation personified. He chanted 200,000 names of Lord each day and stayed in isolated places, eating only what would come of its own accord and sleeping wherever he found himself at night time. He had very few possessions: Tulasi-mala (Tulasi beads) around his neck; another Tulasi-mala on which he chanted; and a few books such as Narottama Dasa Thakura’s Prarthana and Prema Bhakti Chandrika. He refused service from anyone and would not let anyone serve him, though many tried. In 1894, he heard that Lord Caitanya’s birthplace has been discovered and so he came to Navadvipa-Mayapur Dhama, knowing the two Dhamas are non-different.

In Navadvipa-Mayapur, he again wandered around the places of the Lord’s pastimes absorbed in ecstasy of separation. His renunciation was intense and genuine. He would dress himself in the discarded cloth used to dress corpses, beg rice from householders, and cook with discarded earthen pots. He would dance on the banks of the Ganges chanting the Holy Names of Krishna; at other times he would lie on the ground unconscious. Others tried to imitate Gaura-Kisora dasa Babaji’s renunciation wanting to gain fame for themselves, but they all fell away into disgrace.

In 1908 Srila Gaura Kisora Dasa Babaji lost his sight. He refused attempts to take him to an eye specialist, preferring instead to chant and worship Lord Krishna. He stopped travelling at this point. He would sit in his bhajana-kutir deeply absorbed in Krishna’s pastimes.

ANYTHING TO AVOID MATERIALISTS

Srila Gaura Kisora Dasa Babaji encountered many disturbances to his Hari-bhajana from the materialists who sought benedictions from him. They all received heavy instructions from Babaji, but very few were able to understand that these instructions were actually for their eternal benefit.

One time Babaji Maharaj arrived at the house of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura dressed in very expensive clothes. When asked about this, he explained people would think he is bogus and so not come to him for benedictions.

At other times he sat on the porch of a prostitute’s house to avoid people, and lived under an upturned boat hoping no one would find him there.

During the last 6 months of his life, he resided in an abandoned latrine (converted into a room) in a dharmasala to avoid the materialists and concentrate on chanting the Holy Names: HARE KRISHNA HARE KRISHNA KRISHNA KRISHNA HARE HARE / HARE RAMA HARE RAMA RAMA RAMA HARE HARE . He left this world at this dharmasala on 19 November 1915 on Utthana Ekadasi, at the end of the Kartika vrata.

SAMADHI TEMPLE OF HIS DIVINE GRACE GAURA-KISORA DASA BABAJI

AT SRI CAITANYA MATH ON “SRI ANTARDVIPA” ISLAND OF NAVADVIPA-MAYAPUR DHAMA

SAMADHI OF SRILA GAURA-KISORA DASA BABAJI

SAMADHI OF SRILA GAURA-KISORA DASA BABAJI

SRILA GAURA KISORA DAS BABAJI’S BHAJAN KUTIR

AT “SVANANDA SUKHADA KUNJA”, THE HOUSE OF SRILA BHAKTIVINODA THAKURA

at Godrumadvipa, Navadvipa-Mayapur

THE DISAPPEARANCE OF SRILA GAURA-KISORA BABAJI

On 19 November 1915, on Utthana Ekadasi in the Kartika-vrata, Srila GauraKisora dasa Babaji re-entered into his eternal loving pastimes with the Supreme Lord Sri Krishna. After Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura had heard of his disappearance, he went to the place where Srila Gaura-Kisora lived. At that time different persons from different temples in the area began to fiercely argued to claim the spiritual body of Srila Babaji. But Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura obstructed them from doing so. The inspector of the police of Navadvipa arrived at the scene.

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta in a voice as deep as thunder said, “I am the only disciple of Paramahamsa Babaji Maharaja. Even though I have not accepted sannyasa, I am a celibate brahmacari and by the grace of Babaji Maharaja I am not secretly addicted to abominable habits or involved in fornication as some monkey-like people are. If there is someone amongst the people here present who is a renunciate of stainless character, then he can have Babaji Maharaja’s samadhi. We have no objection to that. He, who within the last year, or the last six months, three months, one month or at least within the last three days, has not had illicit connection with a woman will be able to touch this spiritual blissful body. If anyone else touches it he will be completely ruined. ”

Hearing this, the superintendent of police said, “How is it that he can prove this?”

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Thakura replied, “I have faith in their word“.

At this, one-by-one all the bogus babajis slipped away without a word. Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati then claimed the samadhi.

After this, several persons approached Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura and said, “Before Srila Gaura-Kisora disappeared, he requested that his body be bound with ropes and be dragged through the streets of Navadvipa Dhama, and thus, be bathed in the dust of the Dhama. Therefore, we should follow these instructions of Srila Babaji Maharaja .”

Then Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura spoke up and said, “My spiritual master, on whose shoulders reside the Supreme Lord Krishnacandra, has said this in a very, very deep mood of humility in order to destroy the pride of those persons who are opposing the Supreme Lord. Even though we are inexperienced, foolish and offensive, still, I will not let his instruction be misinterpreted. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu took the spiritual body of Srila Haridasa Thakura, when he disappeared, on His lap and began to dance. Just see how his glories have been described. So therefore, we are also following in the footsteps of Lord Caitanya. Place the transcendental body of Srila Gaura-Kisora above our heads.”

According to the regulations from the Samakara Dipika, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura with his own hands prepared the samadhi of his spiritual master. His Samadhi was on the western bank of the Ganga in Kuliyagrama at the place called Mutanchada in the present town of Navadvipa. Later on, by the desire of Srila Gaura Kisora dasa Babaji, the place of his samadhi gradually became engulfed by the changing current of the Ganga. When the samadhi was within very close proximity to Ganga Devi, in 1932, his samadhi was moved under the instructions of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, from that place to a place in Sri Mayapur Dhama where the Caitanya Math is presently situated. Next to Sri Sri Gandharvika-Giridhari Temple inside the Sri Caitanya Math campus is the Srila Gaura-Kisora Dasa Babaji’s samadhi temple.

Directions to Srila Gaura-Kisora Dasa Babaji Samadhi:

#1) Srila Gaura-Kisora dasa Babaji’s samadhi is at Sri Caitanya Math on Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Marg, which is about 3kms from ISKCON Sri Mayapur Candrodaya Temple or half km from Srivasa Angan (the house of Srivasa Pandita).

#2) Sri Caitanya Math is a stopover during “Navadvipa-Mandala Parikrama” which is organized every year about 2 weeks before Guara-Purnima Festival at Sridham Mayapur. One can visit this transcendental place by attending Navadvipa-Mandala Parikrama.

Sri Caitanya Math – The Forest of Vrindavana in Mayapur: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=11294

MAYAPUR TV: http://Mayapur.tv

Live Video from Sri Sri Krishna-Balaram Temple Vrindavana: http://www.iskconvrindavan.com/live/

HARE KRISHNA HARE KRISHNA KRISHNA KRISHNA HARE HARE |

HARE RAMA HARE RAMA RAMA RAMA HARE HARE ||

Source: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=12023

A few months ago, a song from the sixties kept popping up in my mind.
From past experiences I felt that I might have to transform it into something Krishna conscious. Reflecting on the lyrics, I thought I thought it could be turned into a song to Prabhupāda.
I kept the first verse and parts of the second and third.
If my gratitude to him was as strong in 1977 as in these days, I would have written this after his departure.

Source: https://www.dandavats.com/?p=116355
 

Dear Devotees,

Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

The Annual General Meeting of the ISKCON GBC Society will begin in February 2025. Following the ISKCON GBC Society’s Rules of Order, the GBC Secretariat requests proposals, duly sponsored by two GBC members, to be submitted by January 1, 2026. Note that no proposals will be entertained after this date.

Please follow the format for GBC Proposals, attached as a fillable PDF (https://www.dandavats.com/wp-content/uploads/GBC_Proposal_Application_2023.pdf), The PDF is also here:

http://gbc.iskcon.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/GBC_Proposal_Application_2022.pdf

Once ready, kindly email your proposals to proposals@pamho.net.

You can also submit any queries to that address.

Hare Krishna.

Your servant,

Ananda Tirtha Das
(GBC Corresponding Secretary)

Source: https://www.dandavats.com/?p=116441

In Rome, a special event was held in the presence of Pope Leo XIV to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate, the landmark declaration of the Second Vatican Council that reshaped the Roman Catholic Church’s relationship with other religious traditions and underscored the importance of interreligious dialogue and mutual understanding.

The event took place in the prestigious Paul VI Hall in Vatican City, bringing together hundreds of representatives from different faiths, united by the desire to build bridges of respect and cooperation. Among the guests were Parabhakti Dasa, Director of Communications in Italy and Vice-Director of Communications for Europe, together with the President of the Hare Krishna Temple of Rome, Harikirtan Dasa, and his wife, Tulasi Gopi Devi Dasi.

Read more: https://iskconnews.org/iskcon-representatives-join-pope-for-60th-anniversary-of-nostra-aetate/

By Kulavati Krishnapriya Devi Dasi,

Bhakti Kids, an initiative of ISKCON Congregational Development Ministry, invites devotees worldwide to participate in the 2025 Bhisma Panchaka Challenge, a powerful five-day spiritual intensive that promises to multiply your devotional efforts one hundred times over.

Running from November 1st through 5th, this special observance coincides with the final five days of Kartik month, a period Krishna Himself describes in scripture as extraordinarily auspicious. “Pure devotional service to Me is easily attained by following this vow in Mathura mandala during Kartik,” the Lord declared, emphasizing the unique spiritual potency of this time.

Read more: https://iskconnews.org/global-devotees-invited-to-2025-bhisma-panchaka-challenge/

Responding swiftly to Gajendra’s fervent plea, Lord Vishnu, mounted atop his Vahana Garuda, hastened to the scene. Witnessing the divine approach, Gajendra, in an act of profound devotion, raised a lotus with his trunk. Pleased by this heartfelt gesture, Lord Vishnu wielded his Sudarshana Chakra, severing the crocodile’s head and liberating Gajendra from mortal peril.

Source: https://www.dandavats.com/?p=116415

By Atma Tattva Das

Across continents and cultures, from Russia to Vietnam, Greece to India, crowds have stopped mid-stride to watch a river of color glide through their streets. Women in coordinated saris dance in rhythmic unity, cymbals shimmering as Krishna’s holy names rise through the air. This joyful vision, both elegant and devotional, is a model to many of how Harinam Sankirtan can be presented to the public.

At its center stands Nilachala Devi Dasi, sankirtan leader of Nitya Harinam, a collective of Hare Krishna devotees from across Russia who unite to create a harmonious, aesthetically radiant presentation of the holy name. With more than 1.4 million followers across social platforms, Nilachala’s service has inspired similar initiatives worldwide, bridging sacred art and public outreach, and reminding the world that beauty itself can preach. 

Read more: https://iskconnews.org/grace-in-motion-vaishnavi-inspires-harinam-sankritan-worldwide/

On September 15-16, 2025, Georgetown University convened religious leaders and scholars for a major two-day conference commemorating the sixtieth anniversary of Nostra Aetate, the Second Vatican Council’s declaration on the Catholic Church’s relationship with non-Christian religions.

The event, titled “Nostra Aetate at 60: Legacy and Challenges for Reconciliation and Interreligious Understanding,” was co-sponsored by Georgetown’s Office of the President, the Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs, and the American Jewish Committee (AJC).

The gathering provided a timely reflection on Nostra Aetate’s enduring legacy of dialogue and reconciliation — and how its principles can be applied in today’s increasingly divided and uncertain global climate.

The first day focused on the Church’s relationship with the Jewish people, while the second day broadened the discussion to include Islam and what the organizers termed “the Dharmic religions.” Archbishop Felix Machado, a bishop-member of the Holy See’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, and Anuttama Dasa, Global Minister of Communications for the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), opened day two by tracing Nostra Aetate’s evolving influence in interreligious relations. To watch his presentation, click here.

“It is significant that in 1965, the same year that His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada landed in the West to launch his international mission, the Catholic Church was closing Vatican Council II and released this important document Nostra Aetate,” said Anuttama Dasa. “It represents the first time the Catholic Church officially recognized the value of other religious traditions and teachings and opened the door for an era of interfaith dialogue and cooperation.”

“So, it was important that representatives of Srila Prabhupada and the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition were invited to this conference at Georgetown University, the first Jesuit university in America. We shared reflections on the document’s significance and how it helped open the door to interfaith dialogue between the Catholic Church and major world religions such as Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, and Judaism.”

It is stated in the Kārttika-māhātmya section of the Padma Purāṇa:

śuklāṣṭamī kārttike tu

smṛtā gopāṣṭamī budhaiḥ

tad-dinād vāsudevo ‘bhūd

gopaḥ pūrvaṁ tu vatsapaḥ

“The eighth lunar day of the bright fortnight of the month of Kārttika is known by authorities as Gopāṣṭamī. From that day, Lord Vāsudeva served as a cowherd, whereas previously He had tended the calves.”

The word padaiḥ indicates that Lord Kṛṣṇa blessed the earth by walking on her surface with His lotus feet. The Lord wore no shoes or other footgear but walked barefoot in the forest, giving great anxiety to the girls of Vṛndāvana, who feared that His soft lotus feet would be injured.

Krsna said at that time that the cows are worshiped even by the demigods, and He practically demonstrated how to protect the cows. At least people who are in Krsna consciousness should follow in His footsteps and give all protection to the cows.

Cows are worshiped not only by the demigods. Krsna Himself worshiped the cows on several occasions, especially on the days of Gopastami and Govardhana-puja.

Source: https://ramaiswami.com/gopastami-4/

By Parsada dasi

During kartik last year, a very dear friend of mine, Padma visted Sri Vrindavan Dham, and a sincere devotee for many years. She arrived a day after the much celebrated Gopastami festival. As we made our way to the ISKCON goshala that afternoon, I described to her our Gopastami festival, where our Srimati Radharani is dressed as the cowherd boy Subal and at this time Her devotees relish the sweet darshan of Her lotus feet, the only time in the year except Radhastami. On this wonderful day also Their Lordships Krsna and Balaram visits Their cows at the gosala, riding on a palanquin lead by the vibrant chanting and dancing of the devotees. You can’t help but notice Their appreciative smiles as They examine Their calves, bulls and cows.
The whole day devotees are plunged into an ecstasy of dramas, lectures, exotic prasadam and go-seva.

She was really sorry for having missed the festival.

I asked her what she thought about the Supreme Personality of Godhead appearing as a cowherd boy in Vraja.
“Come to think about it, it never struck me as something important, I just took it for granted, you know, it’s in all of Prabhupada’s lectures, books and purports. Its there, and something I accepted without much thought.”

What she said next shocked me.

“What to speak of realizing Krsna as a cowherd boy, I have never touched a cow in my life! I have been to Vrindavan a few times but between my kids, the husband, their getting sick, the morning program, parikramas, loi bazaar and the MVT restaurant, there was no time for the cows. We often saw the stray cows but my kids were too scared to go anywhere near them. I know I should have spared some time to visit the goshala, for them to get used to the cows but we never had enough time. Today will be my first visit and without my family, I should feel guilty but somehow don’t. My mom is taking good care of them. Thank you very much for bringing me.” she said.

“Its only fair then that I should introduce you to the bliss of serving Krsna’s cows and have an inkling of why the Supreme Personality of Godhead appeared as a cowherd boy”
“I am the humble servant of Krsna’s cows, please lead the way!” she said laughingly.

As were entered our ISKCON goshala, the smell of cow dung, cow urine and freshly copped grass filled the air. A few cowherd women were busy picking up cow-dung in a metal pan; a few young boys were washing the cowsheds with buckets of water and else were the cowherd men were leading the bulls out of the sheds into the sunshine. Over the loudspeakers, Prabhupada’s sweet bhajans played in the background.

I watched the happy look on my friends face and gave her, her first assignment, “Please take that pan from this mataji and you go to that part of the barn and fill it up with cow-dung.”
With an amazed look her face, she turned to me, “You can’t be serious!” she said. After giving her a practical demonstration, she went down on her knees and picked up her first handful of cow-dung. And in no time she had the pan filled up. She was having so much fun; she then carried it on her head and took it to the area where it would be made into cow-dung cakes. Sitting among the ladies who were already making them, she made over a dozen cow-dung cakes!

Next we got buckets and filled them with fresh sweet water and she carried them to every cow in the shed, it was tiring for she is not one to do menial labor. “Keeping a maid has made me lazy”, she quipped as she placed the bucket next to Jamuna a beautiful white cow who gave birth a week ago, her udders full, Jamuna drank up all the water and mooed for more.
Giving her back a massage, she panted, “Could I take a break now?” “Sure” I replied. We went over to where the baby calves were kept, there were about five of them sitting huddled together enjoying the sunshine. That did it, she crouched down picked up Jamuna’s baby, placed him on her lap and began caressing and kissing him. Every time he jolted back, she held him tighter. “You are sooooooooo beautiful, eh, sooooooooo beautiful!” And beautiful he was, white as snow except for his forehead and the tip of his tail, which has a sprinkling of brown. She looked at me, “He is mine! I want to take him home, my boys will love him”

“Of course you can take him home, in your heart, and photos should suffice for your boys, till you bring them to Vrindavan.” I said.
“Can’t believe the fun I am having, it’s like another world”
“It is another world,” I said.

After much hesitation she put the calf down. “Give him a name” I said. She looked up at me surprised, “Gosh! I can name him too! ok, I will call him Jamuna Priya, I will never forget him.”
“Alright, its time to feed the cows laddus,” I said. “Oh! Wonderful! Let’s get those laddus.” After we got a basket full of laddus, she wanted to know what they were made of, “jaggery and coarse wheat,” I said. “They smell yummy, are they good for human consumption?” she asked jokingly.

She went around feeding the cows and big calves laddus and at one time she let out a scream, “They have teeth! One just bit me!”

I examined her fingers, “You got the mercy, and I said, millions of your sinful activities have been destroyed, you will be ok.” “Oh, really, and how does that work?” she questioned.
“You see, the 33 million demigods live in the body of these cows, especially these ones with the silky soft skin folds at the neck, lotus eyes and the huge hump on the back. Also residing in their bodies are the nine planets. Remember that time when you sent me an email saying me that your husband was in his saturn period?”

“Yes, I never knew this, so instead of doing this and all the other things, my mother-in-law insisted I do the Shiva puja, Durga puja and read the Hanuman Chalisa, we could have just worshipped Go-mata, why didn’t you tell me?”
“At that time I was also not aware of the importance of worshipping Krsna’s cows. Its only by their causeless mercy, I can render some service to them. Its getting closer to milking time, we have a few minutes left, lets go brush Luxman, my favorite bull, he sometimes bring Krsna Balaram’s milk to the temple.” I said.

We went over to Luxman lying with the other bulls under the pipal trees, as soon as he saw us he got up and held up his head high, a huge copper red bull. I pulled out from my bag a special brush, with firm bristles to brush Luxman. “Krishna! He is such a big bull, you sure he will not toss me back to my hellish country,” she retorted staying a little distance away. “Not at all, He is the gentlest and sweetest of all the bulls in the goshala” I said as I began brushing Luxman under the neck, on his back, the hump, between his horns, his head. He loved it.
Seeing how much he was enjoying the brushing, my friend grabbed the brush from my hands saying “Come on, give me the brush, you are too slow, Luxman wants a full body brush, I am expert in these things, having a husband and two sons, you know!!”

I laughed as she got into the swing of brushing Luxman, he loved it so much so, that he practically fell asleep while standing up and after some time he sat done and dozed off, not before she put a couple of laddus in his enormous mouth.
Hugging me as we went to the milking pen, my friend with tears in her eyes said, “Thank you, I never knew cows can be such lovable, sweet and gentle animals, no wonder Krsna loved them so much, I cannot in my wildest dreams ever think, I would ever feel so much happiness and closer to Krsna.”
“It’s not over yet, you have to milk at least one cow and then we will together relish the chanting of the Lords holy name amongst the cows” I said.
As we entered the milking pen, the cowherd men had the milking cows back legs tied with ropes and into a silver pail fell thick, creamy white milk as they gently pressed the udders between their thumbs and forefingers, continuous streams of frothy milk fell into the pails.

My friend could contain herself no longer; she squatted besides Shyam the cowherd boy. He gave her a crimson smile and taught her how to milk Kalindi, at first Kalindi protested, after repeated attempts my friend finally milked her first cow! It was a historical moment. She was jubilant; she danced, gave me repeated hugs, kissed Kalindi and hugged Shyam as well!

As the milking went on, we sat under the kadamba tree, surrounded by Krsna’s beloved cows and with our minds fixed on the Lords holy name, chanted five rounds.
“This is the best japa, I ever did, and everything seems so mystical and pure. It seems as if I am in another time zone, actually it seems as if I am closer to Krsna, a truly unbelievable experience, something to relish, cherish and keep locked away in the heart. We lead such hectic lives, twenty four seven, its about work, money, keeping house, seeing to the kids, pleasing the in-laws, my husband just a promotion and we hardly see him, I make it to the temple on Sunday’s but its not enough, I want to do more, what can I do, please tell me what I can do for the cows?” She said looking at me.

I smiled, gave her a hug and told her to share her experience with others, just as the holy names are non-different from Krsna, He can never be separated from His beloved cows in Vraja. “Also promote go-seva amongst your friends and family members and support this project according to your means.”

“I will” she said. As we made our way back to the temple she picked up a dried cow-dung patty and put it in her bag, looking at me, she said “ for memories and purifying my home and heart.”

suklastami karttike tu
smrta gopastami budhaih
tad-dinad vasudevo ‘bhud
gopah purvam tu vatsapah

“The eighth lunar day of the bright fortnight of the month of Kartik is known by authorities as Gopastami. From that day, Lord Vasudeva served as a cowherd, whereas previously He had tended the calves.”
-Srimad Bhagavatam 10.15.1, translation

Many important pastimes take place on Gopastami. One pastime takes place on this day a few years after Krishna first started tending the cows. On this day, Jatila once forbade Srimati Radhika to perform her customary puja at the distant Surya Kunda, concerned that her daughter-in-law was spending too much time outside home. Being restricted to the confinement of her in-laws’ house, Sri Radha felt dejected and began to cry an ocean of tears– of what use was Her life if it was devoid of Her Prananath, Krishna?

Krishna was waiting nearby, waiting for His Prana-sakhi to come, but once He learned that She was confined and not allowed to come, His zeal turned to sorrow. Feeling intense separation, Sri Madhava tearfully exclaimed to His dear friend Subala, “O friend! I place My life in your hands. Bring Radha here one way or another.”

Subala looked at the other boys for help, and received nothing. He replied with deep empathy, “Friend! How can I bring Her here in broad daylight? Wait until nightfall. Then Your desire will be fulfilled.”

Krishna wasn’t content with this answer; He felt that with every passing moment, a millennium passed by, and surely within a few hours, He would meet His bitter end. Understanding the seriousness of the situation, Subala headed to the house of Abhimanyu.

Subala’s family is closely connected with Abhimanyu’s, so he was able to enter the house unsuspected and unannounced. As fate would have it, he was able to go all the way to Srimati Radharani’s quarters without being noticed. Knowing Subala to be a priya-narma-sakha, or extremely intimate friend of Sri Krishna, the gopis welcomed him in, and explained the entire situation. Seeing that his dear friend Krishna and Sri Radha suffered from the same disease, and would meet the same end, Subala devised a plan.

According to Sri Sri Radha Krishna Ganoddesa Dipika, Subala is a twelve-and-a-half year old gopa, whose luster, complexion and facial features are very similar to those of Srimati Radharani. In order to make his plan work, he and Sri Radha would have to trade clothes. Once they had dressed in each other’s clothes, a wandering calf looking for its mother passed by. On the orders of Subala, Lalita Devi quickly dispatched some girls who quickly returned, pushing and pulling the reluctant calf.

To reassure Radharani and Her friends that his scheme was foolproof, Subala boldly spoke the following words: “Friends! I will remain in the house and pretend to be a sick Radha. Meanwhile, She will leave to meet with Krishna dressed as me, carrying this calf to conceal the only visible difference between us.” They all laughed and applauded his quick thinking.

Without further delay, Srimati Radhika lifted the calf in Her arms and walked out of Her chambers, while Subala stayed inside. She went down the hall and out into the open courtyard. Unaware that Subala had previously entered, Jatila and Kutila, Srimati Radharani’s mother-in-law and sister-in-law, were surprised to see Subala leaving. Before they could say anything, clever Radha said in a perfect imitation of Subala’s voice, “This rowdy calf has run amok! Straying from the herd, it ran into your house. I will take it back and tie it up with its mother so it doesn’t run away, but I must hurry so that the herd of Nanda’s son can move on.”

At the mention of Krishna, Jatila’s attention shifted from “Subala’s” surprising presence to the dangers posed by Krishna’s being near her home and daughter-in-law. Raising her hand in blessing she said, “Quickly, take your calf to its mother and let the herd continue to the pastures. The further a certain black cowherd is from this house the more secure is the integrity of my family. Now go!”

Lowering Her head to hide Her irrepressible smile, Sri Radhika answered in Subala’s voice, “As you order, mother. As you order,” and walked right out. Subala’s plan had worked! Reunited at last, Sri Radha and Madhava enjoyed wonderful pastimes together.

On Gopastami day in Sri Mayapur Dham, Sri Sri Radha Madhava are offered a special, brand new outfit made by the combined efforts of the Mayapur community. This is the only day of the year on which the lotus feet of Srimati Radhika and the gopis are seen, because on this day Srimati Radharani and Her gopi friends go out to see Madhava herd the cows and They hold up Their skirts so that the skirts don’t get dirtied with mud and cow dung.

On this day, all the devotees head to the ISKCON Mayapur Goshala to worship, feed, brush and play with the cows. Some matajis and even prabhus dress up as gopas with dhotis and beautiful turbans to enter into the festive atmosphere. After all, it is the glorious day when Sri Madhava got promoted from herding calves to herding cows. There is wonderful katha by many esteemed senior devotees, talking about the glories of our mother the cow, and the pastime of Gopastami.

After a wonderful session, a beautiful yajna (fire sacrifice) takes place, which signifies Madhava reaching the age of pauganda (six to ten), and now being old enough to herd the cows. Once the yajna is completed, an arati is performed to Mother Cow, followed by bathing and cleaning the cows. Once they are nicely cleaned, the devotees feed the cows many treats, such as chapattis and gur, fresh green grass, and fruits and vegetables. To conclude the festival, a delicious feast is served to all the devotees who participated in the festival.

*resources: Srimad Bhagavatam; pastime adapted from HH Sivarama Swami’s Nava Vraja Mahimamrta; Vedabase

Today is Gopastami, the day on which Krishna and Balarama and other boys Their age, who previously had tended the calves, were given charge of the cows. This event is described in Srimad-Bhagavatam (10.15.1):

tatas ca pauganda-vayah-sritau vraje
  babhuvatus tau pasu-pala-sammatau
gas carayantau sakhibhih samam padair
  vrndavanam punyam ativa cakratuh

“When Lord Rama and Lord Krsna attained the age of pauganda [six to ten] while living in Vrndavana, the cowherd men allowed Them to take up the task of tending the cows. Engaging thus in the company of Their friends, the two boys rendered the land of Vrndavana most auspicious by imprinting upon it the marks of Their lotus feet.”

As stated in the purport, “Since Lord Krsna’s spiritual body had apparently grown slightly in age and strength, the senior men of Vrndavana, headed by Nanda Maharaja, decided to promote Krsna from the task of herding calves to the status of a regular cowherd boy. He would now take care of the full-grown cows, bulls, and oxen. Out of great affection, Nanda Maharaja had previously considered Krsna too small and immature to take care of full-grown cows and bulls. It is stated in the Karttika-mahatmya section of the Padma Purana:

suklastami karttike tu
  smrta gopastami budhaih
tad-dinad vasudevo ’bhud
  gopah purvam tu vatsapah

‘The eighth lunar day of the bright fortnight of the month of Karttika is known by authorities as Gopastami. From that day, Lord Vasudeva served as a cowherd, whereas previously He had tended the calves.’

“The word padaih indicates that Lord Krsna blessed the earth by walking on her surface with His lotus feet. The Lord wore no shoes or other footgear but walked barefoot in the forest, giving great anxiety to the girls of Vrndavana, who feared that His soft lotus feet would be injured.”

The celebration was meant for only the cowherd men and boys, but Srimati Radharani also wanted to enjoy the fun, and so, because of Her resemblance to Subala-sakha, she donned his dhoti and other garments and joined Krishna. Thus, on this occasion, in temples in Vrindavan and elsewhere, Srimati Radharani is dressed as a cowherd boy.

The Lord is very kindly disposed toward the cows and the brahmans (go-brahmana-hitaya), and whoever serves them becomes dear to Him, too. Knowing this, devotees observe a special festival on the Gopastami day, dedicated to the worship of cows. In Vrindavan especially, but also the world over, devotees begin the festival by brushing the cows, painting their horns and bodies with artistic designs, and hanging flower garlands around their necks. Then a cow and her calf are selected, and an arati is offered to them. During the arati, devotees sing the Hare Krishna maha-mantra, and then they feed the cow, her calf, and indeed the entire herd, bananas, balls of gur (jaggery), and fresh grasses. Some devotees also recite the following mantra (Hari-bhakti-vilasa 16.252):

agratah santu me gavo
  gavo me santu prsthatah
gavo me parsvatah santu
  gavam madhye vasamyaham

“May cows stay in front of me. May cows stay behind me. May cows stay on both sides of me. May I always reside in the midst of cows.”

Hare Krishna.

Yours in service,
Giriraj Swami

Source: https://girirajswami.com/blog/?p=19437

In this thoughtful reflection for Religious News Service (RNS), Joshua M. Greene (Yogeshvara Dasa) recalls his memorable 90-minute conversation with Jane Goodall during the 2000 United Nations World Peace Summit. Though surrounded by religious dignitaries in robes and rituals, Goodall stood out by speaking of nature itself as sacred rather than relying on institutional affiliations.

Greene notes that Goodall’s legacy challenges believers of any faith to reconsider how we relate to the natural world: the truest test of faith, he argues, is whether we treat Earth and all its inhabitants with reverence and care.

To read or listen to the full article, click here.

Source: https://iskconnews.org/yogeshvara-dasa-reflects-on-jane-goodalls-sacred-vision-of-nature/

By Aseem Krishna Das 

A grand Sri Sri Krishna Balaram Shobha Yatra Festival was organized in the Karnal district of Haryana from 10th September to 5th October 2025. This year, the Shobha Yatra was held at three different locations across Karnal. The local congregation was fully engaged and absorbed throughout the entire month-long festival, spreading the holy names of the Lord and experiencing divine ecstasy.

The devotees organized a series of events leading up to the auspicious month of Kartik. Brahmacharis and Sankirtan devotees were invited from various parts of India, and around forty devotees gathered to take part in the celebrations. The atmosphere was surcharged with love and devotion as both local and visiting devotees filled the city and surrounding villages with the chanting of the holy names of the Lord. They also personally invited residents to participate in the grand Sri Sri Krishna Balaram Shobha Yatra, which took place at three different locations in the district. Moreover, the boys from Bhaktivedanta Gurukul, Karnal, performed yajñas at various sites throughout the city, invoking auspiciousness for everyone.

The beautiful deities of Lord Krishna and Lord Balaram, gorgeously decorated with fresh flowers, were seated on a magnificently adorned chariot and taken out in a joyous procession. The first procession was held in Gharaunda Tehsil, followed by Nilokheri Tehsil, and finally in Karnal city. Hundreds and thousands of people participated in these processions, joyfully pulling the divine chariot and inviting the Lord into their hearts with ropes of love. Abundant prasadam was distributed from the chariot, and thousands of people relished the love feast at the conclusion of each procession.

Read more: https://iskconnews.org/month-long-krishna-balaram-shobha-yatra-enlivens-karnal-with-devotion/

Sri Mayapur Dham, the spiritual headquarters of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), recently witnessed a heart-touching and memorable celebration of Srila Prabhupada’s Disappearance Day — a day that evokes both gratitude and reverence in the hearts of devotees worldwide.

A Morning of Love and Remembrance

The day began early at 7:00 a.m., as hundreds of devotees gathered to participate in a beautiful Harinam procession, carrying Srila Prabhupada’s murti on a gorgeously decorated palanquin. The procession gracefully made its way to the Srila Prabhupada Samadhi Mandir, accompanied by joyful chanting of the holy names, kartals, and mridangas that filled the air with transcendental vibration.

Devotees, godbrothers, disciples, well-wishers, and senior Vaisnavas walked together — each step offered in love and gratitude. The atmosphere was surcharged with devotion as flower petals showered the palanquin, honoring the great soul who brought Krishna consciousness to every corner of the world.

Remembering the Acharya Who Transformed the World

Throughout the celebration, everyone was reminded of the incredible contribution Srila Prabhupada made — not only to ISKCON, but to all of humanity. His compassion, courage, and dedication awakened spiritual consciousness globally, fulfilling Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s prophecy that “in every town and village, the holy name of Krishna will be heard.”

Many senior devotees, disciples, well-wishers, and godbrothers shared heartfelt memories and realizations about Srila Prabhupada — each one a living testimony to his ongoing spiritual presence and the transformative power of his mission.

A Glimpse Into His Life Through Drama

In the afternoon session, the Mayapur Youth presented a captivating drama depicting the life of Srila Prabhupada — from his early years in Calcutta to his extraordinary journey across the seas and the establishment of ISKCON worldwide. The performance beautifully portrayed his faith, struggles, and surrender to Krishna, leaving everyone deeply inspired.

Honoring the Next Generation

A special highlight of the celebration was the award ceremony for Mayapur school children, recognizing their creativity, enthusiasm, and devotion. These competitions and activities were inspired and encouraged by HG Jamāshtami Prabhu, a dear disciple of Srila Prabhupada, who has been consistently guiding and urging that the children be actively engaged and carried along in such meaningful ways.

Under his inspiration, many children participated in art competitions, essay writing, reading sessions from Srila Prabhupada-lilamrta, and other devotional presentations, all centered on learning and nurturing seeds of devotion that will continue to blossom as they grow.

Evening of Devotion

As the sun began to set, the celebrations resumed at 5:00 p.m. with soulful kirtans, enlightening kathas, and a heartfelt offering of lamps. The temple courtyard glowed with hundreds of diyas, symbolizing the light of bhakti that Srila Prabhupada kindled in millions of hearts around the world.

His Eternal Presence in Mayapur

Though Srila Prabhupada’s physical presence departed this world in 1977, his spiritual presence continues to illuminate Mayapur and the hearts of devotees everywhere. His teachings, his books, and his example live forever, guiding generations on the path of bhakti.

“He lives forever by his divine instructions, and the follower lives with him.”

As the day concluded with the chanting of the holy names and the sweet remembrance of Srila Prabhupada, it was clear that he was truly there — smiling upon his spiritual family, pleased to see the mission of Lord Caitanya flourishing with such love and unity.

All Glories to Srila Prabhupada

All glories to His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada, who gave the world the holy name, the light of divine knowledge, and the eternal hope of returning home, back to Godhead.

Source: https://www.mayapur.com/en/blog/the-glorious-legacy-of-our-eternal-founder-acharya

“The spirit of Govardhan Puja”, The deeper meaning and mood behind the celebration of Govardhan Puja, explained by Radhanath Swami himself. Kartik Yatra 2025: a devotional pilgrimage during the sacred Kartik month celebrated with deep spiritual practices like kirtan (chanting), kathas (spiritual discourses), and parikrama (holy walks).

Source: https://www.dandavats.com/?p=116340