Who knows what the future holds? Fifty years from now, perhaps you will be relaxing at a resort on Mars, being served by a robot. ISKCON will be a hundred- years-old then. Or would it still exist? Currently, ISKCON consists of more than 613 centres, with an estimate of 7 million people worship in ISKCON temples each year. There are also 54 educational institutions, 65 farms and ecovillages and 110 vegetarian restaurants. But, in fifty years time, will ISKCON still be relevant in society?

Technological advances seem to be progressively solving our problems. Or are they? Aren’t we still getting sick, growing old, and dying against our will? Are we not troubled by mosquitoes, our spouses, natural disasters, our own minds and bodily ailments? Spiritual life involves us discovering the root cause of suffering, and how to stop it. Therefore, ISKCON will always be relevant in society. The proliferation of Krishna Consciousness everywhere is inevitable: “Caitanya Mahaprabhu has said that this chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra will be heard in every nook and cranny of this globe. He is God, so there is no doubt about it. So if we are intelligent we will take advantage of this opportunity and get the credit. If we do not, someone else will.” (Letter to Satsvarupa, 1970-11-04)

However, along with propagation, Srila Prabhupada also wanted us to personally focus “just like boiling the milk, it becomes thicker and sweeter” on our own spiritual development. Srila Prabhupada stated in a lecture, on 28 April 1969, that if even one percent of the whole population becomes Krishna conscious, the world will become the kingdom of God.

As ISKCON expands over the next 50 years, it will provide muchneeded leadership to society. Unfortunately, the current world leaders do not have proper vision. Leaders must desire the ultimate happiness of their citizens. This requires that they must be aware of, and situated in their actual identities as eternal spiritual beings, and not just temporary material bodies. A leader must also first be a perfect follower of an authorized leader, as delineated in the system of disciplic succession. The example set by such a leader will inspire everyone else.

ISKCON’s achievements over the last 50 years have been largely due to the influence of Srila Prabhupada and his direct disciples. We have been standing on the shoulders of giants. However, in the relatively near future, there will not be anyone present who personally associated with Srila Prabhupada. How will ISKCON continue to grow then? This movement will progress with our cooperative spirit to please Srila Prabhupada: “Now, we have by Krishna’s grace built up something significant in the shape of this ISKCON and we are all one family. Sometimes there may be disagreement and quarrel but we should not go away. These inebriates can be adjusted by the cooperative spirit, tolerance and maturity so I request you to kindly remain in the association of our devotees and work together. The test of our actual dedication and sincerity to serve the Spiritual Master will be in this mutual cooperative spirit to push on this Movement and not make factions and deviate.” (Letter to Babhru, 1973-12-09)

Nov/Dec 2016 Hare Krishna News – Published by ISKCON Durban. Used with permission.

Source:http://www.dandavats.com/?p=33984

The Veda London and Food for the Mind, Body and Soul teams came together at Bhaktivedanta Manor for this year’s Seva Day initiative. The project has grown significantly and this year’s team consisted of a wide range of 100 volunteers, with the youngest aged just two! The day included cooking for nine homeless shelters across Watford, spending time at three Dementia Care homes, raking leaves at the Manor, making care packages for the homeless at Matchless Gifts in Kings Cross, assisting in an abandoned animals sanctuary, helping to maintain the grounds at the Learning Through Horses charity and raising funds for the Sandipani Muni School in Vrindavan.

Source:http://www.dandavats.com/?p=33991

After years of effort, support and hard work, the ground-breaking ceremony for Avanti House Secondary School’s permanent site of 20 acres took place. The event saw the first spade being dug into the ground by special guest, Radhanath Swami, who spoke about the need for education based on moral and spiritual principles in his keynote address. The mayor for Harrow, Rekha Shah, Bob Blackman MP, Navin Shah GLA Member, Sachin Shah Head of Harrow Council and other Local councilors were present, along with students from year 10 and year 11 and members of staff. The Avanti Trust now has a total of 8 schools with a capacity to educate over 7000 children.

Source:http://www.dandavats.com/?p=33993

Vibhu Chaitanya Das: ISKCON celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. This is remarkable when you consider that we have achieved so much in such a short space of time. For me, the most amazing fact is that every five minutes, one of Srila Prabhupada’s books is distributed somewhere in the world. By the time you reach the end of this article, someone would have bought one of Srila Prabhupada’s books.
What is it about Srila Prabhupada’s books? Srila Prabhupada once described this material world as a horrible place and that he did not want to come to this world. But Lord Krishna requested him to please do so and Srila Prabhupada denied the request. Then Lord Krishna asked Srila Prabhupada to come into this world to translate scripture into the common language and only then, did Srila Prabhupada agree.

When Srila Prabhupada’s met his spiritual master, he was requested that whenever he got money, he should print books in English. Srila Prabhupada was a young college graduate but he made it his life mission to fulfill the instruction of his spiritual master. Before the establishment of a worldwide institution, Srila Prabhupada painstakingly translated the 18000 verse Srimad Bhagavatam (Bhagavata Purana). When ISKCON became an international society and Srila Prabhupada was travelling the world, he slept for only 3-4 hours a day so that he could translate. Srila Prabhupada humbly said that Lord Krishna was dictating and he was simply transcribing.

If you read Srila Prabhupada’s commentaries, you will notice that his books are written without material motivation or for self-glorification. Every word glorifies Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. He urges the reader to nourish his intellect and soul by the process of devotional service. Srila Prabhupada’s books have transformed people into better human beings.

Followers of Srila Prabhupada find much joy in distributing these priceless treasures. Scripture describes that spreading the glories of the Supreme Lord (this includes the distribution of Srila Prabhupada’s books), is the highest welfare activities.

Distributing these books is also described to be higher than any fast or sacrifice we can make to the Supreme Lord and by doing so, we quickly make advancement in spiritual life.

One of the main lessons we learn from Srila Prabhupada’s books, and his example, is that we need to become selfless. In this mood, devotees voluntarily try their utmost to share these treasures.

Going out on book distribution can be humbling and it’s not easy to stop people who are caught up in their own lives. After much endeavour, a book distributor meets a person who is kind enough to stop and listen, they may read the synopsis on the back cover, and then take a book. I have noticed how that simple exchange brings a person immediate joy and I know that there is so much more joy in store for him when he reads the rest.

So if you have read Srila Prabhupada’s books, then try distributing one of your favorite books and see for yourself how it will change someone’s life. This is “the season to be jolly,” so why not be part of the joy of distributing happiness? Join the Temple on the Weekly Marathon Sankirtan Festival, every Saturday, to help you get into the mood.

And if you have not yet had the privilege of reading one of Srila Prabhupada’s books then the next time a devotee stops you, buy a book.

Nov/Dec 2016 Hare Krishna News - Published by ISKCON Durban. Used with permission.

Source:http://www.dandavats.com/?p=33995

At the time of death everything will be taken away from you anyway BUT if you give back to Krishna while you are still alive you will get credit for this!
Rukmini Devi Dasi: “Coffee or Tea?” asked the air hostess. It’s been a full shift but she manages to smile and crack a joke whilst pouring my neighbour a decaf coffee. A mother in the seat in front of me patiently cajoles her screaming three-year-old through the eighthour flight. Finally, I reach the transit lounge and the red seats reserved for pregnant woman and the elderly strike a chord. Everyone serves. We may serve because it’s our job, out of love or because we care for our country. Whether we realise it or not, we serve. Here’s an open secret to express advancement on your spiritual path: Connect this inherent need to serve, to your spiritual practice and behold a dynamic change of heart. Active spirituality means that we serve Krishna. By uniting with the Supreme through mantra and fortifying our mind with knowledge, we must learn the practical art of giving, or risk being couch crusaders. Here are some easy to follow options for your convenience.

Level One: Give In Cash: No time? No problem. There are ways to serve that won’t cost you a second. Krishna advises the yogi, who may not be able to practice the spiritual science around the clock, to renounce the fruit of his actions. Because wealth is essentially your energy transformed into cash, it is an acceptable offering. Sponsor Krishna’s midday meal (annadaan) or donate towards current projects like spiritual education, student cultivation or devotee care. Whatever your capacity, make an offering from the heart. Giving Krishna part of what we possess is wise because all that we have, is His anyway. The act of giving is simply an exhibition of faith (sraddha) which is the first step in devotion. Contact the Temple closer to you or choose to support a project of Iskcon you like.

Level Two: Give Your Energy Yet God is no pauper. He wants more than our money. He wants us. It blows my mind to see how we can spiritualise aspects of our personality or talents and offer them to the Supreme. “I am the ability in man,” Krishna advocates. Using our abilities in service to the Supreme is the perfection of possessing them and is deeply rewarding on a soul level. Whether you are an artist, a handyman, a people’s person, an accountant or engineer, there is a way you can “fix your intelligence” on Krishna. Why not visit us for an hour in your week or month and dedicate that energy in devotional service. If you can’t find that unique part of your personality to offer, don’t worry. Simple services like peeling potatoes and sweeping floors will earn you the same benefit. By giving ourselves in service for just an hour we will find spiritually minded friends (sadhu-sanga), be connected to a regular spiritual practice (bhajana kriya) and our hearts begin to feel purer and lighter (anartha nivritti). These are the subsequent steps in devotion. But why believe me or the Bhagavad-gita? Try it for yourself. We love volunteers!
Contact the Temple or Hare Krishna community closer to you and offer your service.

Level Three - Give Krishna to Someone Else Krishna is irresistibly attracted to one who is selfless. When we look outside the purview of our own schedules, crises and struggles, and attempt to share the gift of spiritual wealth with others, we purchase the Absolute Truth. After all, He has a heart. “For one who explains this supreme secret to the devotees, pure devotional service is guaranteed, and at the end he will come back to Me. There is no servant in this world more dear to Me than he, nor will there ever be one more dear.” (BG 18.68-69) Yet doubts race through my mind: Do I really want to do this? Won’t I be infringing on others personal choices? I don’t know enough to share it with someone else. Isn’t this scary? No.

There are countless people in the world who are searching for a better way of life. One line of Krishna’s Gita can give us more than we need to know how to help others. And you don’t need to do so alone. Join our Monthly Sankirtan Festival on the last Saturday of the month or sacrifice just one day of your December holiday to join one of our book distribution teams. We rock the streets of the cities, with spiritual books and warm-hearted smiles, simply to meet sincere seekers. Beware! The spirit of sharing Krishna conjointly (sankirtan) is contagious and addictive. People’s lives change before your eyes and you’re bound to get hooked.

A wise man once commented that a person's conscious can be situated at different levels; sensual, mental, intellectual, or transcendental. A little self reflection may reveal whether we approach our lives as a sensory experience (most common), or retreat within our minds, or rather the spiritual dimension.

Every practitioner should strive to rise above the lower platforms to a stage where our spiritual practice is steady and our faith is firmly fixed. This level is known as nishta, when most of the impurities that burden our hearts are eradicated. A platform of true freedom. Filling our heads and hearts with simple acts of serving Krishna is the quickest, easiest, and most fun way to climb the terrain of devotion. We need only learn to give.
Give Now!

Nov/Dec 2016 Hare Krishna News - Published by ISKCON Durban. Used with permission.

Source:http://www.dandavats.com/?p=33997

170 university students attended an uplifting meditation retreat called “The Treasure Within” at Bhaktivedanta Manor. Organized by the Krishna Consciousness Societies (KCSOC), who have over 30 running weekly events, each with food, kirtan and a lot of philosophical discussions, this year’s retreat brought students from across the UK. “Young people need excitement, education, and entertainment.” said organizer Mabick Thappa. “The day consisted of seminars on ‘happiness’, cow milking and mantra meditation. The drama was also a hit showing the difference in result between serving Krishna and serving ourselves.” One student mentioned, “This was a wonderful event that provides an opportunity to anyone and everyone to experience an insight into Krishna Consciousness. The talks and Q&A sessions were very interesting and thought-provoking!”Huge congratulations to the University Retreat team of Jahnavi Raniga, Lila Sara Harbal, Nalisha Patel and Krishna Caitanya Patel, led by Mabick Thapa. The National University Team also played a huge part in making this retreat a success.

Source:http://www.dandavats.com/?p=34002

Subhag Swami was a bright student during his school days. He completed his intermediate studies from the Scottish Churches’ College, Kolkata, where Srila Prabhupada had studied previously. Thereafter in November 1965, he was sent to London to study higher engineering.

During the course of his studies, in 1969 he met His Divine Grace AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder Acarya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. He was formally initiated by Srila Prabhupada in 1970. After serving at Bury Place, Bhaktivedanta Manor and various places around the UK, he returned to India in 1974 upon the request of the GBC to help in writing and translating Bengali literature. And he never returned again…

…Until the 15th of October 2016. After repeated requests from many devotees in the UK, Maharaj decided to grace us with his presence, 42 years later! He arrived at Stanstead airport at around 11pm from Bulgaria and went to East London where he was staying at one devotee’s residence. Immediately he took rest.

The 16th of October was a very auspicious day as it was the first day of the month of Kartik. Maharaj barely took 3 hour rest but was up and off to Bhaktivedanta Manor where he would give class. In Maharaj’s own words, ‘So much change had taken place.’ Of course the main building is intact but there has been numerous adjustments that has taken place over four decades. Maharaj was greeted by the temple president, Sruti Dharma das and after preparing some final notes he proceed to the temple room. And the temple room was packed. Not only being the first day of Kartik, it was also a Sunday and the Manor was celebrating Dushera on this day. After paying his obeisances to Srila Prabhupada Maharaj proceeded to give a wonderful class which inspired all the devotees present. He finished with a short kirtan that touched everyone’s heart. After catching up with some Godbrothers he left back to East London. Shortly after taking rest and lunch prasad, Maharaj was on his way to deliver another lecture, this time at Soho Street, London. The class was well attended and the audience appreciated the presenatation very much. It was a amazing to see Maharaj again reunited with Radha Londonisvara, the first deities he saw in ISKCON. Thereafter he visited 7 Bury Place, the temple he first joined and had a wonderful time with the devotees serving Srila Prabhupada.

At the request of others, he stayed in one devotee’s house in Slough. In the afternoon, Maharaj returned to East London where he spoke at Krishna Avanti School. The audience included students, teachers and congregation members. After the class Maharaj was given a tour of some of the classrooms. He appreciated the efforts of the school in trying to teach Krishna Consciousness to the ‘future of ISKCON’.

On the 18th Maharaj spoke at Bhaktivedanta Manor on his ‘ Early day experiences in London’ and pastimes with Srila Prabhupada. Devotees were overjoyed with Maharaj’s humour. A short tour of the Manor led us to the Gurukula. Maharaj spoke to around 30 students inspiring them to take to Krishna Consciousness with all sincerity and seriousness. Cookies were distributed to all the students.

After taking some rest, Maharaj addressed some devotees at a congregation member’s house. It was a small but intimate gathering. Special guests attending were: Sambhunath das (ACBSP), Kishor das (ACBSP) and Yasisvini devi dasi (ACBSP). The highlight of the program was when Sambhunath prabhu tried to wash Maharaj’s feet but ended up in having his feet nearly washed by Maharaj! After the program Maharaj travelled to South London where he addressed the congregation mainly consisting of disciples of the lately departed HH Krishna das Swami. Maharaj used to share a room with Krishna das Swami while they were living in Bury Place many years back.

He was supposed to leave in the late afternoon and thus there were no programs booked. After returning to East London and taking some rest he left for Standstead airport. Shortly after he was checked in and on his way to Latvia.

We are extremely grateful that Maharaj visited the UK and inspired all the devotees. We pray that he is merciful towards us and returns very soon.

Source:http://www.dandavats.com/?p=34004

Hindu temples have banned the new five pound note after it was revealed that it contained animal fat. 

Last week, it was revealed that the banknotes contain tallow, which comes from beef or mutton fat.

As well as outraging vegetarians and vegans, the news also caused concern among members of the Hindu community, who view cows as sacred. 

Hindu temples have banned the new five pound note after it was revealed that it contained animal fat. 

Last week, it was revealed that the banknotes contain tallow, which comes from beef or mutton fat.

As well as outraging vegetarians and vegans, the news also caused concern among members of the Hindu community, who view cows as sacred. 

Read more: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/hindu-temples-ban-tallow-animal-fat-5-note-fiver-cows-beef-a7454871.html

Source:http://iskconnews.org/uk-hindu-temples-ban-new-animal-fat-5-note,5958/

The American Academy of Religion (AAR) is the world’s largest association of scholars in the field of religious studies and related topics. It is a nonprofit association, serving as a professional and learned society for scholars involved in the academic study of religion. It has some 10,000 members worldwide, with the largest concentration being in the United States and Canada.

AAR members are university and college professors, independent scholars, secondary teachers, clergy, seminarians, students, and interested lay-people.

Jayadvaita Swami with a conference attendee

The Annual four day conference was held this year (November 18th -22nd) in San Antonio, Texas, at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust was represented by Jayadvaita Swami, BBT Manager, Sura Das, and LA book distributor Jaya Chaitanya Das. Other ISKCON scholars who attended the event included Dr. Graham M. Schweig (Garuda Das) and Dr. Ravi M. Gupta (Radhika Ramana Dasa).

Source:http://iskconnews.org/bbt-represented-at-the-american-academy-of-religion-conference,5961/

Srimad-Bhagavatam contains a discussion between Dharma, in the form of a bull, and the Earth, in the form of a cow. Eventually he asks her, “The so-called administrators are now bewildered by the influence of this age of Kali, and thus they have put all state affairs into disorder. Are you now lamenting this disorder? Now the general populace does not follow the rules and regulations for eating, sleeping, drinking, mating, etc., and they are inclined to perform such anywhere and everywhere. Are you unhappy because of this?” (SB 1.16.22)

In his purport, Srila Prabhupada writes, “The so-called administrators are all untrained in the affairs of a ksatriya. The ksatriyas are meant for administration, as the brahmanas are meant for knowledge and guidance. The word ksatra-bandhu refers to the so-called administrators or persons promoted to the post of the administrator without proper training by culture and tradition. Nowadays they are promoted to such exalted posts by the votes of the people who are themselves fallen in the rules and regulations of life. How can such people select a proper man when they are themselves fallen in the standard of life? Therefore, by the influence of the age of Kali, everywhere, politically, socially or religiously, everything is topsy-turvy, and therefore for the sane man it is all regrettable.”

What Srila Prabhupada wrote more than fifty years ago is relevant today. And the antidote would appear to be to educate people in Vedic knowledge as presented in Srila Prabhupada’s translations of Srimad-Bhagavatamand other books—delivered to them by people such as me and you.

Hare Krishna.

—Giriraj Swami

Source:http://www.girirajswami.com/?p=11513

Hare Krishna respected Devotees,

 Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to His Divine Grace Srila
Prabhupada.

 Kanchipuram is one of the most ancient and sacred cities of India. Kanchipuram
is an eternally holy place and has some of the most magnificent temples. Sri
Caitanya Mahaprabhu visited Kanchipuram in year 1511 A.D. during His South
India tour as mentioned in Sri Caitanya-Caritamrta Madhya lila 9.68-70. Lord
Balarama visited Kanchipuram as mentioned Srimad-Bhagavatam Canto 10 Ch. 79
verses 11-15. Amongst many temples in Kanchipuram, Sri Varadaraja Perumal
Temple is one of the most famous. From that time of Satya Yuga, Lord Sri
Varadaraja Perumal is one of the most prominent deities on earth, worshiped by
great acaryas.

 Please find article Kanchipuram Yatra on website: www.dandavats.com/?p=33599
 This article is also available on: www.holy-pilgrimages.com

 Thank you very much.
 Hare Krishna!

 Your servant,
 Chandan Yatra Das
 www.holy-pilgrimages.com

All ISKCON devotees worldwide are undoubtedly inspired and enthused by the rapid progress of the TOVP construction over the last five years. The temple superstructure is complete, the finished domes and chatris await their kalashes and chakras, external embellishments are being added, murtis of the parampara and assorted sculptures are in various stages of production, various artisan work forges ahead, electric and plumbing work continues, marble laying has begun, an elaborate Lightning Arrester system is being installed, and much more is all going on simultaneously.

As we enter the year 2017 internal finishing work will commence and the gigantic altar of our worshipable Lords will see significant progress. This is all due to the mood of cooperation between all ISKCON members and the subsequent blessings of Gaur Nitai, Srila Prabhupada, and all our acharyas as They look down upon our efforts with Their merciful glances.

Overall, we are on budget and on track to realize our common goal of celebrating together the most momentous occasion in Gaudiya Vaishnava history: the Grand Opening of the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium on Gaur Purnima, 2022.

To bring 2016 to an auspicious close we would like to make a humble appeal. If you have not yet contributed to the TOVP, please make a donation, large or small, by going to this website address: https://tovp.org/donate/seva-opportunities/. To donors who are making monthly payments towards their pledge, please make a larger payment for your installment this month, or even consider paying off the entire balance. And those donors who have stopped their monthly payments due to personal circumstances or, if you live in India, due to the demonetization of the rupee, please consider restarting your pledge payments this month. The Lord will certainly bless you for your sacrifice to the higher cause of the important missionary work of the sankirtan movement.

Once again, thank you to one and all. We are grateful for your support, financial or otherwise, and look forward to another highly productive and inspiring year ahead. Please keep your TOVP seva in your New Year’s resolutions and we wish you all a happy and Krishna conscious New Year.

“I have named this temple Sri Mayapur Candrodaya Mandir, the Rising Moon of Mayapur. Now make it rise, bigger and bigger until it becomes the full moon. And this moonshine will be spread all over the world. All over India they will come to see. From all over the world they will come.”

Srila Prabhupada; Letter to Ramesvara, 25 October, 1974

 

Source:https://tovp.org/construction/tovp-end-year-message/

Urmila Devi Dasi: What I love about ISKCON Mayapur (among many other things) is that there are three–THREE–3–schools here for elementary and high school (primary and secondary). And, and, and, the students in those schools are very prominent, valued members of the community. Every morning it’s the kids who recite the Siksastaka after Tulasi worship. The elephant (hati) procession is almost entirely a program done by the youth. It’s kids and teenagers on the elephants, worshipping the Deities, singing the mantras, playing the drums, drawing the rangooli designs. No, the schools aren’t perfect; yes, involvement from SMIS and the National School in the community could be (should be I would argue) greatly increased, and so many negative (truthful) things could be said. In fact, I say them to the (I hope) right persons at (I hope) the right time and place. But, still, this is one of the few–very few–communities of devotees of Krishna where the roles of the schools and the students in them is so vital and public in the community. YES!!!
In Mayapur, I’ve been doing some service I really relish–assisting the schools here. There are new heads of the Sri Mayapur International School (SMIS) and of the National School. In the SMIS, they have been using our Dr. Best Learn to Read for some time very successfully, as they do in the Bhaktivedanta Academy (usually called the boys’ gurukula). Both of those schools use Learn to Read as their basal (core, main) reading program and love it. We had a training with the National school teachers who have over fifty new sets of Learn to Read so they can also use them as their core reading program.
It was great to take the new SMIS head to see both the Academy and the National School–places to which she had not yet had a chance to visit. I was fortunate to have discussions with the leaders of all three schools about development of school identity and increased visibility and participation in the Mayapur community.
Altogether much positive is going on (though, again, there is always room for improvement) and I feel very encouraged.

Source:http://www.dandavats.com/?p=33912

“A full twelve hours of pure unalloyed Krsna Consciousness.” – (Shatadhanya Prabhu)
“How can I ever have a favourite part? The kirtans are fantastic, there is so much senior association, all the devotees want to serve, the management is par excellent, the prasad is delicious, and the Dham is so beautiful! Still hearing from the disciples of Srila Prabhupada is my favourite part.” – (Nimai Sundar Prabhu)
“The parikram brings the pastimes of Lord Chaitanya to life in our hearts.” – (Laxmimoni Mataji)
“Recommend it!? It’s a must! If you haven’t been on the Mayapur Chandra’s Parikrama, 50% of your life is wasted.” – (Pankajanghri Prabhu)

Dear Devotees, welcome to the Mayapur Chandra’s Parikrama. These were some of the realizations from our attending Vaisnavas and their experience, observations, interactions and discussions have joyously revealed that, though the praise was lavish it was far from exaggerated.
Sunrise to sunset there is one goal on this Parikrama - to hear and chant about Krsna, in His Dham, with His dear most devotees. Members of ISKCON from all over the world and all ages flock in annual attendance to this Prema-filled Parikrama. It is just the perfect package!
There are so many devotees, but not too many; the mood stays intimate. The management is perfect, but flexible; any devotee so inspired always has an opportunity for some service. And best of all, no matter how much your mind tries to wander; there is Krsna Consciousness at every step. No one can escape into the shadows of Maya and the result is brilliant, darkness dispersed, everyone happily accepts their fate and absorbs themselves in the names, abodes, and pastimes of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. In six short days, you will get the experience of a lifetime. And though admittedly exhausting, it is equally ecstatic.
Ladies and gentleman, this is not some unreachable utopia, nor a lavish lie. This is Navadwip Dham. It is the spiritual world. Respected Vaishnavas, this is Mayapur Chandra’s Kartik Parikrama.

For those devotees who couldn’t attend this year’s Parikrama, can grab the opportunity for next year’s Parikrama. The dates are 18th,19th,21st,22nd,24th & 25th October 2017 (no parikrama on 20th Goverdhan puja & 23rd Srila Prabhupada’s disappearance day)

Special participants for Kartik Nabadvip Mandal Parikram are H.H Jayapathaka Swami, H.H Kavichandra Swami, H.H Bhakti Purushottam Swami, H.H Bhakti Brihad Bhagavat Swami, H.G Pankajangri Prabhu, H.G Jananivas Prabhu and many more Srila Prabhupada’s disciple and senior devotees.

Your humble servant Adidev Das

Source:http://www.dandavats.com/?p=33914