The idea that we should not try to see God but act in such a way that he feels pleased to look our way is one of the main philosophical contributions of Srila Prabhupada’s guru, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur. He always made it clear that we are not the seers (that we cannot see God) but that we are the seen (that we can be seen by God). 

Imagine an ant crawling over your book while you read. It cannot see you from its position – you’re something the ant cannot understand because it is too small. But you can see the ant very well. In much the same way we, who are so limited and conditioned, cannot really hope to see God – but we can act in a way that he sees us. 

I would like to inspire you for a meditation: Try to imagine that Krishna looks at you at this very moment. What would he see? I’m not thinking of your hairstyle or dress, but when Krishna would look into your heart, what would he see at this moment? On the path of bhakti we want to stop as often as possible and ask ourselves, “What does Krishna see now? What does Krishna see when I’m dealing with a certain situation or making certain decisions? Is Krishna satisfied with the way I’m acting? Is Krishna satisfied with the way I’m thinking? Is Krishna satisfied with my plans?” The moment you ask these questions you will immediately see an improvement in your life.

I know this because whenever I visit devotees, it always looks so orderly. Everything is in the right place. Because they ask themselves “What will Sacinandana Swami see when he comes to my home?” It is a normal inclination that we all have – when we have someone who is dear to us as our guest we want to be seen at our best. I think if you introduce this meditation or thought into your life – “What will Krishna see?” – you will very quickly grow in your Krishna consciousness by leaving behind those things which don’t please Krishna and doing those things which please him. 

Source:http://iskconofdc.org/being-seen/

On October 4th, in Rome, Italy, an extraordinary event took place at the House of Representatives of the Italian Parliament. ISKCON devotees, friends, professors and politicians gathered to celebrate 50 years of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness in the world, and Srila Prabhupada as a messenger of peace and spiritual knowledge. 

A line of devotees in colorful sarees and shaved heads stood outside of the House of Representatives in a spirit of controlled euphoria. Rome, Italy’s capital, is always a stage for well known politicians and VIPs but for the first time, ISKCON devotees were in the limelight.

The idea of an event to be held in the prestigious setting of Italy’s House of Representatives in order to promote peace, cultural diversity and spiritual knowledge had been initially suggested by Naradamuni das (Fabio Pianigiani) to Ugo Papi (journalist and responsible for Foreign Affairs), an  improbable desire playfully  expressed by a devotee to a dear friend of the Movement over a vegetarian meal at Ekadashi das’ (Enzo Barchi’s) Bibliothè in the heart of Rome. What began as a spiritual wish was enthusiastically embraced by Parabhakti das, responsible for ISKCON Comunication and president of Villa Vrindavana Temple in the countryside outside Florence. Parabhakti dasa and Naradamuni das began planning the event, involving many devotees whose valuable help and energy finally made the event a reality.

The opportunity for ISKCON to acquire national visibility in such an important setting is a huge step towards finally recieving  the status of Religious Movement from the Italian government with  all of the rights that such  status entails among which, spiritual assistance if required in hospitals, schools, jails, etc., exemption from some administrative taxes for the temples and the opportunity to receive tax donations. 

So finally, on the afternoon of October 4th, devotees excitedly entered the awe inspiring government building.

The event began with a short film illustrating the history of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. The film narrated Shrila Prabhupada’s arrival in America and the rapid and unexpected growth of the movement, its more than 600 temples, books on Vedic Culture translated into 90 languages, numerous cultural and social programs and the daily distribution of millions of meals to the needy worldwide.

The Vice President of the House of Representatives Marina Sereni gave the opening speech, welcoming the Members of the Movement and all guests present. She expressed her strong willingness to make it a priority to help ISKCON receiving its recognition as a religion by the Italian State.

Next, the Indian Ambassador  spoke about India’s variegated ethnic and religious population and its rare capacity to develop and excel in this condition. He congratulated ISKCON for bringing India’s ancient vedic culture so successfully to the West.

Madhu Sevita dasa (Massimo Brioli, President of ISKCON Italy) expressed his gratitude to the House of Representatives for receiving Shrila Prabhupada’s Movement but tactfully solicited a well deserved and long awaited legal recognition for ISKCON as a religion in Italy. 

Ugo Papi then described his vision of the Movement, the cultural significance that the Hare Krishna’s held throughout the 60s and 70s, his experience with  devotees and the significance that this has had on his travels and life.

Parabhakti dasa (Mauro Bombieri)  spoke of the important social programs that ISKCON continues to promote and the expanding cultural activities that continue in each temple.

The first guest speaker, Prof. Massimo Introvigne, sociologist. author  and founder and director of  the Study Center on New Religions (CESNUR) discussed the role of ISKCON as a millenary religion, ironically new to the West. He explained the effects of the vedic philosophy on  the hippy culture of the 60s and 70s and  how many artists in various fields were obviously deeply influenced by the movement. 

Finally, Prof. Maria Immacolata Macioti, head of the Masters Program on Immigrants and Refugees and coordinator of the Doctorate Course in Theory and Social Research at the University La Sapienza in Rome gave a very personal view of her experience with the movement and a colorful exposition of how difficult it has been for the Hare Krishna philosophy to be accepted in Italy because they proposed a lifestyle in such contrast with the italian way of life -- especially in matters of clothing and diet.

Perhaps the most moving moment for all was the closing bhajan. Three young devotees, standing at the center of that very imposing amphitheater, delicately sang the Maha Mantra with the emotional participation of all present.

This event was part of a worldwide celebration held for ISKCON’s 50th anniversary in which many politicians throughout the world have participated, like the Prime Minister David Cameron in England and Tulsi Gabbard, American congress woman.

Source:http://iskconnews.org/italian-parliament-celebrates-iskcon-50th,5884/

Charge, donation or contribution

I’ve been pondering these three words, how interchangeable are they and how easy it is to cheet if their misapplied

We often ask for a donation especially on book distribution, if you give me a donation you can have a book whilst showing them a wonderful book that will transform their life. Then we withdraw the book if the donation is small, or we go no it has to be £x; unwittingly we can cause offence, they asked for a donation I gave and they took away (I’ve had individuals who felt cheeted by this). Best if asking for donation show small booklet, if donation given they take no matter how small; if they donate a bigger sum of laxmi perfect, wow this is so kind please take this book, massaging the false ego but also a loving exchanges.

As devotees our aim is to have these loving exchanges, they may or may not take a book the aim should be to leave such a sweet exchange that they praise the devotees, maybe next time a book will be taken.

My thoughts are never far from controversial matters and one of the most controversial is paid courses that are becoming the normal this dispite Srila Prabhupada instructions that if they come to the temple it is free (a hard concept to grasp); although Srila Prabhupada was skillful in making sure they took a book and asking for a small contribution.

I like that word contribution, the act of assisting in something you believe in; one gives in many ways to what is termed good causes and the greatest cause is to relieve the burden of mankind with the glories of Sri Caitanya’s sankirtan movement.

But back to my thoughts (it’s my personal thoughts to which you may or may not agree)

I wish to become initiated, how wonderful the most successful move one will ever make; now enrol in this system and sign up for these mandatory course’s (yes mandatory it’s for your own good one day maybe not now but one day you’ll appreciate it)

One is presented with a bill

So what is it?

Not a donation, although many argue this is the case
May be a contribution, but contribution means it is like a donation from the heart based upon ones means and inspiration
A charge? Yes we are Charing the information will not be imparted unless their is an exchange.

But Srila Prabhupada said if come to the temple no charge, indeed he did give instruction on charging, if I’m dig institution or education centre and I ask you to come speak; wisdom is this Srila Prabhupada knew it is acceptable indeed normal to charge.

My thoughts is this, we give course free

Then at the end we suggest that if they feel inspired a small contribution (individuals can decide how much) can be made to help in continuing to put on these valuable courses full of knowledge and insight.

This way we are not seen as either cheating or profiteering, nor going against Srila Prabhupada instructions not to charge if they come to temple.

Yes some will laugh and give nothing, some a little, some a lot; but if we trust in Sri Krishna the way Srila Prabhupada did laxmi will always be their.

And we make sure they leave with the respective books, inspired to read and ask questions as their studied nicely.

My thoughts best not present with bill, upfront charges; but give freely

Inspired the person will contribute and give donations, which over the years I’ve been happy to do; always a sweet exchange and indeed as I analys my own situation I’ve given more than is asked upfront price and not feel cheeted; but I do when asked for upfront charges

But then it’s a suggestion

And you may suggest I’m just bitter as I’ve been charged to see my own Guru Maharaja, now that remains a painful and bitter pill to swallow

Source:http://david.deltaflow.com/?p=3404

To realize one's utter insignificance is a critical milestone in life. It opens up significant opportunities for us to connect to something truly grand and important. This realization can come at any stage of our life, and come multiple times, each time helping us realize the majesty of something else that is truely magnificent.

The typical society encourages one to believe and imagine that we are very special and significant. That's what the self centred small mind wants to believe. Break free from the shackles of the petty mind. Connect with the Supreme.

Source:http://thebandwagonofmoltengold.blogspot.in/2016/10/insignificance-significant-mlestone.html

Hare Krishna!! Dandavat pranam. Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to Sri Guru and Gauranga. 

We wanted to give an update about the wonderful retreat we had at the Gita Nagari Farm from September 22nd (Thursday) to September 25th (Sunday).  It was a truly transformative experience where pioneers in healthcare and leaders of the society gave us seminars and presentations about how to bring Krishna consciousness into our daily life and everyday medical practice. It deals with transformation, leadership, and spirituality in medicine. 

It was an enriching experience where devotees in healthcare profession gathered and experienced enlivening fellowship. We were deeply blessed by the association of senior and sincere devotees who wanted to bring Krishna consciousness into their profession.

The day at retreat started with Mangal Aarti every single day at 4:30 am followed by Srimad Bhagavatam classes by eminent leaders such as Murari Gupta Prabhu who is a very successful physician entrepreneur. He mentioned about the “Isavasyam idam sarvam “ principle and how we can utilize it in Krishna’s service. He has multiple companies and most of the profit he earns, goes for preaching and supporting Krishna conscious activities in multiple countries. Murari Gupta Prabhu gave an excellent presentation of practical ways of the principal of Ishavasyam, where everything belongs to the lord and how to use everything in his service.

Prem Vilas Prabhu a prominent hospitalist in Ohio,  Acyuta Gauranga Das, a prominent vascular surgeon from Detroit, both are very inspiring in their unique way of sharing Krishna consciousness with their patients and health care teams. Acyuta Gauranga Das Prabhu gave a novel approach to the power of sound which is based on the series he conducts regularly for the benefit of the patients at his hospital.The Henry Ford Hopsital in Detroit extended full support to Acyuta Prabhu’s pioneer project . Prem Vilas Prabhu gave a touching account of the lessons from the life of a hospitalist, where he shared his experience of sharing the maha-mantra with his patients and its profound effect.

Mother Rambhoru, a hospital chaplain who has been immersed in devotional service for over 30 years, sharing Krishna consciousness with their patients and even with prisoners in California. Mother Rambhoru also gave a touching experience of her life story as a deep devotee and her life lessons in medicine and the initiatives in teaching chanting in prisons and hospitals.

HG Anutama Prabhu who is a visionary dealing with future of ISKCON,
Concluded the presentations with his visionary goals for our association covering successes, challenges, and opportunities for health care professionals.

While parents attending the seminar, children had a great time visiting Hershey chocolate factory and Penn caves. One of the highlights of the conference is “sadhu sangha campfire” every evening with Kirtans and special Harp Kirtan by Mother Rambhoru.

Gita Nagari is a 350-acre land is a perfect place for our retreat – peaceful, happy animals, peacocks(!), streams, wooded forests for trails, comfortable accommodation, and warm people. It is a practical demonstration of a lifestyle based on simple living and high thinking.

Source:http://www.dandavats.com/?p=32739

A special Edition on the auspicious occasion of Sri Damodara Month. 
Nityam Bhagavatam Sevaya #48 features:

1. Killing Of The Demons Shakatasura And Trnavarta
Conversation Between Sukadeva Goswami and Maharaja Parikshit

2. Destroying Shakatasura and Trnavarta Within 
Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura

3. Recommendation By Maharaja Parikshit
His Divine Grace A .C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

4. Prakata-Lila And Aprakata-Lila
Srila Vishvanatha Chakravarti Thakur

5. Sri Vraja-Raja-Sutastakam
Eight Prayers Glorifying the Son of the King of Vraja

We pray that this issue brings some pleasure to the devotees of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

Issuu: http://issuu.com/nbsmag/docs/nbs_48

Scribd: https://www.scribd.com/document/328970235/NBS-48

Source:http://www.dandavats.com/?p=32744

Meditating on the lotus feet of Sri Sri Radha-Muralimanohara, placing myself at the dust of Lord Caitanya’s feet, and respectfully offering obeisances to the great devotees of the Lord, who are so many oceans of transcendental virtue, I shall now happily begin to praise the transcendental opulences of Sri Vrndavana.

I am not strong enough to go to the far shore of the great nectar ocean of Vrindavan’s glories. Who can go there? However, because I love Vrindavan I will now dip into that ocean. I pray that this endeavor may become successful and bring an auspicious result.

O Sri Vrndavana , please reveal in my heart Your wonderful transcendental form full of the most confidential spiritual knowledge and bliss. Embarrassed to describe the highest nectar, the Upanisads only say “not this, not this”. Where are you described?

Day and night I glorify Vrndavana , which is filled with the wonder of Sri Sri Radha and Krsna’s pastimes, the wonder of the greatest sweetness, the ultimate nectar of Lord Hari, the sweetest, most beautiful auspiciousness and a flood of virtues Ananta-sesa, Siva, and a host of others cannot cross.

Think of Vrndavana with love. Roll in its dust. Love it ardently. Please its moving and non moving residents. Worship Sri Radha’s birthplace. With all your heart take shelter of Sri Vrndavana, the best of all holy places.

I meditate on Vrndavana , where the cuckoos sing the fifth note, the flute plays splendid melodies, peacocks sing and dance, vines and trees bloom, splendid and charming forests are wonderful with many birds and deer, and there are many splendid lakes, streams and hills.

May my eyes become overwhelmed with ecstasy by seeing the nectar waves of Vrindavan’s beauty. May my intelligence drown in the nectar ocean of Vrindavan’s glories. May my body become agitated by the swiftly moving currents of ecstatic bliss and thus roll about on the ground of Vrindavan . Falling down like a stick, may I offer my respectful obeisances to all the residents of Vrindavan .

May the land of Srila Vrndavana where Subala and the other wonderful cowherd boys, who are all dear friends of Sri Krsna, play, where Lalita and the other splendidly beautiful young gopis, who are all filled with love for Srimati Radharani, enjoy transcendental bliss, and where Sri Sri Radha-Krsna thirst to enjoy wonderful transcendental amorous pastimes day and night, become manifest in my heart.

To drink: the freely flowing streams are filled with clear sweet water as nectar. To eat: the dried leaves from the trees are foods as palatable as one could desire. The warm breezes are just as one would have them. To reside: there are clean mountain caves and other suitable residences. Alas! Alas! How unfortunate I would be if I wished to leave Vrindavan !

May Sri Vrndavana , which grants auspiciousness and bliss to all, and which is deeply loved by two or three great souls, become the mother and protectress of blind me.

May I love Vrndavana , where at the base of a kadamba tree on the cool shore of the Yamuna a dark complexioned, amorous, divine youth dressed in yellow garments plays a flute as He glances at Radha’s lotus face.

He who gives up the company of ordinary people, keeps no servants or followers, agitated with a desire to serve Sri Sri Radha-Krsna, constantly sheds tears, his hands placed on his cheeks and lives in Vrndavana , is the most fortunate of all persons.

Where do all people automatically and effortlessly obtain pure ecstatic love for Krsna? Where does the Supreme Personality of Godhead manifest His supremely wonderful pastime form? Where is the empire of the bliss of devotional service to Krsna’s lotus feet manifest? O brother, listen I will tell you a secret. All this is present here in Vrindavan.

O brother, please reside under the trees of Vrindavan , and from time to time enter the villages to beg alms. Drink as much Yamuna water as you like. Dress in some rejected pieces of cloth. Consider others’ praise of you the most bitter poison, and their disrespect sweet as nectar. Serve Sri Sri Radha-Muralidhara, and never leave this land of Vrindavan.

Vrindavan is wonderful. The two sweet fair and dark splendors named Radha and Krsna are wonderful. Pure love for Their lotus feet is wonderful. He who has faith in Them and rises to the spiritual world is wonderful. The rare soul who understands these truths is wonderful.

I worship two splendors who are more handsome than millions of Rati-Kamadevas, who have stolen the glory of millions of Laksmi-Narayanas, whose forms are effulgent as gold and sapphires, and who enjoy pastimes in the forest of Vrindavan.

Let us worship the Person more splendid than a blue lotus and sweeter than the nectar handsomeness of all other forms of Godhead, who wanders in a forest filled with nectar from Radha’s feet.

Even glorious Laksmi-devi, who rests on Lord Narayana’s chest, cannot taste the supremely sweet nectar Radha’s maidservants always taste in many ways. O dear friend, please worship Radha in Vrindavan forest.

In Vrndavana forest the trees are called druma because they melt [dru] with love for Krsna and they are also called taru because they shield [tarana] Krsna from the blazing sunshine [tarana]. The vines are called vratati because they have taken a firm vow [vrata] to serve Krsna. The deer are called krsnasara because Krsna is their life and soul [sara], and they are also called mrga because they always search [mrg] for Krsna’s footprints.

Anointing your entire body with the dust from the feet of the residents of Sri Vrndavana , seeing Sri Vrndavana as the supreme effulgent transcendental realm, and meditating on the fact that Sri Sri Radha and Krsna are always charmed by the sweetness of Sri Vrndavana , please reside in this transcendental abode, Sridhama Vrndavana.

yamuna-vrindavan

How can a person who has never seen Vrindavan’s Yamuna river, which is filled with eternally blooming indivara, kamala, kahlara, kumuda, and other lotus flowers, all filled with the sweet humming sounds of bumblebees, and which displays the places where Sri Sri Radha-Muralidhara and Their friends enjoyed transcendental pastimes, remain alive?

(Random verses from Sri Vrindavan Mahimamrta by Srila Prabodhananda Sarasvati Thakura)

All glories to Sri Vrindavan Dhama.

All glories to Sri Guru and Gauranga.

All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

Your servant,

Giriraj dasa

Source:http://www.dandavats.com/?p=32748

On 23rd October ISKCON Congregation Forum Patna conducted Anand Utsav (Festival of Joy) at Boring Road, Patna. More than 300 people attended the festival. Hg Jagdish Shyam Das(President, ISKCON Gaya) delivered a lecture on “Need of Inner Engineering”. He highlighted the need of connection to self and Divinity should be the highest priority. All the people enjoyed the aarti and Kartik deep dan(lamp offering) to Lord Damodar. Program finished with the distribution of delicious prasadam. About 50 Srila Prabhupada books were distributed.

Source:http://www.dandavats.com/?p=32752

As jack-o-lanterns, comedy gravestones, and fake ghosts and zombies crop up on our neighbor’s lawns, and every kid in town shakes with excitement about their candy haul, ISKCON devotees may be wondering whether or not to take their own children out trick-or-treating.

Some devotees have expressed concerns that in celebrating non-Gaudiya Vaishnava holidays like Halloween or Thanksgiving, we will wind up becoming culturally indistinct, and gradually assimilating all the practices of ordinary materialistic life. That our children will grow up not really understanding what it means to be devotees, and that our family lives will simply become a pursuit of empty sense gratification like much of the rest of the world.

“I think we need to find the right balance,” says GBC Communications Minister Anuttama Das. “As a grandparent, I’ve seen with my three grandchildren that having fun is such an important part of their youthful lives. So when we learn how to Krishna-ize ordinary holidays, it helps our kids grow up not feeling that they’ve missed anything by being devotees. Instead, they feel that by being devotees, they get to do everything that everybody else does, with the added pleasure and excitement Krishna conscious culture brings.”

All around North America and other countries where Halloween is celebrated, ISKCON devotees are doing just that – putting creative spins on the popular holiday to Krishna-ize it. Here are just a few:

TKG Academy, Dallas

Lord Nrsimhadeva rips Hiranyakashipu apart at the TKG Academy's Fall Festival

Launched in 2011, TKG Academy’s fall festival is held the Friday before Halloween, and is a chance for students to absorb themselves in play as characters from the Vedic scriptures.

Thirty-five children, from preschool up to highschool, come to the classroom dressed as a personality from the Mahabharata, Ramayana, or Krishna or Lord Chaitanya’s pastimes. The younger children discuss the background and history of their character, while the older ones write about them and why they’ve chosen them.

All the children then perform Harinama, chanting in the streets of their local Dallas neighborhood with their eyecatching costumes on. “Last year, one girl came in an elaborate peacock outfit, with every single feather in place,” says TKG Academy Vice Principal Gopi-Gita Dasi. “Another came in an intensely gory Kali outfit – the kids loved it because it was so realistic! And one boy bravely dressed up as Mohini Murti.”

If the weather isn’t suitable for Harinama, the children perform off-the-cuff skits. “For two hours, they’re just completely immersed in Krishna’s pastimes,” says Gopi-Gita.

Students go all out with their costumes as the goddess Kali and Lord Parasurama

The Vice Principal, who grew up in ISKCON with a negative view of Halloween and was initially opposed to the idea herself, explains: “Kids are going to be faced with Halloween festivities everwhere they go for over a month beforehand. Every single store they walk into. All of their friends. Their soccer team mates. And to then put into a child’s mind that you can’t do that because you’re different, is very isolating for them. They wonder, ‘Why can’t I have fun like that? Why can’t I also dress up and go out with my friends?’ Then they go trick-or-treating dressed up as ghosts, hobgoblins and witches.”

Gopi-Gita says that she was able to change her perspective from, “This is maya, why would we do this in Srila Prabhupada’s school?” to “Let’s turn it into something Krishna conscious.”

“Halloween is a time where you can, with your child, take advantage of the spirit of dressing up and the fact that costumes are cheap, and have fun getting completely engrossed in the spiritual world,” she says.

Gopal’s Garden, New Vrindaban, West Virginia

(From left to right) Gopal's Garden Preschoolers as Balarama, Aristasura, Putana, King Indra, Vyomasura, Kaliya, and Pralambasura

The preschool at Gopal’s Garden, a homeschool co-op in the rural community of New Vrindaban, West Virginia, has been holding Krishna-ized Halloween parties for two years.

Last year, each parent dressed their children up as different demons from Srila Prabhupada’s book Krishna: The Supreme Personality of Godhead. Each parent and child pairing then ascended the stage, where they narrated the story of how Krishna killed their demon.

This year, the October 15th party saw parents work together to build an Aghasura serpent demon. Children then sang the classic song, “His name is Aghasura,” before entering the demon’s mouth as fog machines added atmospherics.

Children crawl into Aghasura's mouth

In a particularly sweet exchange, many of the senior devotees in the community set up stands along the path to New Vrindaban’s Kusum Sarovara, full of homemade cookies, cupcakes, and other treats. The children stopped at each stand, singing “Trick or treat, trick or treat, give me something nice to eat,” and the Hare Krishna mantra, as their pumpkin baskets were filled.

Finally, an older student shot a firework from a bow into a burning effigy of the demon Ravana, and there were vegan marshmallows, followed by Damodarastakam at the temple. 

“It was such a sweet experience,” says teacher Sundari Dasi.

ISKCON Sunday School, Portland

Parents, teachers and children at the ISKCON Portland Sunday School gather for their costume party

About 40 children of all ages participate in the costume party (the word ‘Halloween’ is purposely left out) held the Sunday before Halloween at ISKCON Portland’s Sunday School.

Put on for the past five years, the party sees kids arrive dressed up in a wide range of costumes, from Krishna book demons, to heroic characters like Rama, Hanuman, and Arjuna, to more Halloween-friendly personalities like the Yamadutas or Shiva’s followers. Others dress up as Tulsi Maharani, Srimati Radharani, or the gopis.

The unique feature of the Portland party, however, are its Krishna-ized games. In “Battle the Demon,” dads dress up as demons while the kids try to beat them in a swordfighting duel. In “Feeding Bhima,” contestants toss beanbags into the Pandava’s wide-open mouth. In “Shoot Ravana’s Head,” they take out as many of the ten-headed demons’ balloon heads out with a bow and arrow. In “Back to Godhead,” they try and throw an airplane through hoops hanging from the ceiling. And in “Kaliya,” they jump from one felt “serpent head” to another.

"My dad is a bigger demon than your dad" - racking up the points in "Battle the Demon"

Students score points for each game, and the winners in each age group get a prize. But it’s a prize with a special twist.

“We tie it back to devotee principles by making the reward service!” says Sunday School teacher Mani Manjari Dasi. “Winners get to serve big bags of homemade kettle corn to the congregation. Of course, they, and all the children, also get bags full of sweets that the parents have prepared, so they get to have the whole sugar-rush experience too!”

Like the other devotee schoolteachers that put on these events, Mani Manjari says she wanted to give her students the Halloween experience so that they could feel included and interact with society at large; but in a very Krishna conscious way.

“Adults and children are reminded of Krishna’s pastimes throughout -- they talk and smile about them in the hallway, as a little Gajendra skips by, or a Sudhama pays obeisances in the temple room,” she grins. “The whole temple is enlivened by it.” 

Source:http://iskconnews.org/trick-or-sweetball-how-vaishnavas-celebrate-halloween,5883/?utm_medium=facebook&utm_source=twitterfeed

kasturi-tilakam lalata-patale vaksah-sthale kaustubham

nasagre vara-mauktikam kara-tale venuh kare kankanam

sarvange hari-candanam su-lalitam kanthe ca muktavali

gopa-stri-parivestito vijayate gopala-cuda-manih

“All glories to the crest jewel of cowherd boys known as Gopal, who has a musk tilala-mark on His forehead, the kaustubha jewel on His chest, a graceful pearl on the tip of His nose, a flute in His hand, a bracelet on His wrist, graceful sandalwood paste on all of His limbs, a necklace of pearls on His neck, and who is surrounded by a host of gopis.” (Sri-gopala-sahasra-nama, text 28)

Gadeigiri is a beautiful village situated amidst the tranquil solitude of rural Orissa (less than two-hour drive from Cuttack and nearly three hours from Jagannatha Puri Dhama), surrounded by lotus-filled ponds and green paddy fields. Gadeigiri has a most interesting history. The village is named after its founder, Gadai Giri, a great devotee of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu, who hailed from Midnapore in Bengal, some 300 years ago. This village is extremely special as Lord Gopal Jiu came here especially from Sri Vrindavana Dhama in response to the desire of His devotee Gopal Giri and has stayed here for over 250 years. During that time Gopal Jiu has manifested many unique and amazing pastimes. The history of those pastimes as well as that of the Giri family have been passed down for the last ten generations. 

·         Gadeigiri is in the Jagatsinghpur district of east-central Orissa, less than two-hour drive from Cuttack and nearly three hours from Jagannatha Puri Dhama. It is a very beautiful and quiet place much like other small villages in India, consisting mostly of mud huts with thatched roofs. The residents of Gadeigiri are very devoted to Krishna-bhakti and dedicated to Lord Gopal Jiu since generations. In front of almost every house one will find a shrine for the sacred Tulasi plant, and it is common to hear the sound of the Maha-mantra: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare | Hare-Hare Rama Hare Rama RamaRama Hare Hare || - being sung. The residents take their daily bath in the local pond, keep cows, and cook over cow-dung fires in the same way their ancestors have done for thousands of years. The main sources of livelihood are rice cultivation and the selling of brass utensils.

·         Founding of Gadeigiri: The village Gadeigiri is named after its founder, GadaiGiri, who migrated from the district of Midnapore in the 17th century. He was a businessman who regularly came to the area to sell utensils and bell-metal items. Every year Gadai Giri would come during the rainy season, stay four or five months, and then return to Midnapore. Gadai Giri was a gentle and saintly person. He would rise early each morning and perform kirtan. Then after taking some flat rice and water he would go out selling brass utensils door to door. When evening arrived he would spend the night in some village and join with the local people in their daily custom of singing kirtan and reciting Srimad-Bhagavatam. He soon became well known as a good kirtan singer and a devotee. He received frequent invitations to take part in different sankirtana festivals celebrated for the pleasure of the various local deity's of Baladeva Jiu, BrindabanBihari Jiu, Radha Madan Mohan Jiu, and Dadhi Baman Jiu. Appreciating GadaiGiri's saintly qualities, the local zamindar (feudal landlord) offered to give him some nearby land. Shortly thereafter Gadai Giri met a naga-sannyasi, a naked mendicant, who was very pleased with Gadai Giri's gentle behaviour and high character. One day, Gadai Giri and the sannyasi were walking together in the forest when suddenly they heard the sweet voices of several different kinds of birds as well as the sounds of a flute, ankle bells, and a conch shell. The naga-sadhu told him, "Where such auspicious sounds are heard, Lord Krishna Himself is present. Wherever Lord Krishna is present His consort Lakshmi, the Goddess of fortune, is also present. This is a sacred place, a place of glory. You should build a house here for your residence and engage yourself fully in the service of the Lord. Here, whatever you desire will immediately fulfilled". Presenting all these things before the zamindar, Gadai Giri received from him a large segment of land, including an area for cultivation. He cleared a small section of the jungle indicated by the naga-sadhu and built a house and a small Temple wherein he established a Deity of Dadhi Baman. When Lord Jagannatha is worshiped without his brother Baladeva and sister Subhadra, He is known as Patita Pavan or DadhiBaman. Gadai Giri left his brass business and simply engaged himself in bhajanand kirtan. Many wandering sadhus and sannyasis came to join with Gadai Giri'skirtan. Gradually other people came to stay permanently, and a village developed in that place, in Gadai Giri's name.

·         Gopal Giri: Gadai Giri had only one son, who was named Gopal Giri. Gopal Giriwas influenced by the devotional qualities of his father and was very devoted to Lord Jagannatha. Every year he would go to Puri to see the Rathayatra festival. He was also very attached to performing sankirtan, and was expert in many different styles of kirtan. In Gopal Giri’s heart was a strong desire to worship the Lord in His eternal form of Lord Gopala. Unable to find such a deity, he decided to go to Jagannatha Puri, thinking that if he would render service to Lord Jagannatha there, then somehow Gopal would come to him. Arriving in Puri, he stayed in the area known as Kundei Benta Sahi near Grand Road. As he was very scholarly, he easily obtained service in the office of the king, where he became the poddar, or cashier, for the Temple of Lord Jagannatha. Even whilst dutifully carrying out his obligations as a treasurer, he was always praying for that time when he could give his occupation and fully dedicate his life to the service and pleasure of his ista-deva - Lord Gopal - Krishna, the cowherd boy. He cried for the Lord to appear before him in that form and accept whatever service he could offer. He led a very regulated life. He would daily go to see Lord Jagannatha and at the Temple he would sit on the bais pahaca, the 22 steps inside the compound leading up to the main darsana area, and there he would read Srimad-Bhagavatam. In the evening he would take Prasadam and go home. Every Sunday he would go to the Satalahari Math, a temple near the ocean, where he would sit and read Srimad-Bhagavatam and chant Harinam. He was very attached to Srimad-Bhagavatam.

·         Lord Gopal comes from Vrindavana: During the Rathayatra festivals in Puri, Gopal Giri would approach devotees and sadhus coming from Vrindavana and ask them: “Please give me your blessings so that I may obtain a deity of Lord Gopala; it is my heart’s desire to worship Him.” They would readily agree. "Yes, yes," they would say. "Next time I will bring a Gopal Deity for you." But no one ever brought a Deity. At this same time, in Vrindavana there was one renounced devotee who was worshiping a deity of Gopal. One night this Gopal deity appeared in the sannyasi's dream and spoke to him. 

·         His Holiness Gour Govinda Swami Maharaj tells this story, “How Lord Gopal came from Vrindavana”: 

·         Gopal Giri installed the Gopal deity in Gadeigiri and requested the renunciatefrom Vrindavana to perform Gopal's daily worship. After serving Gopal for twenty years, the renunciate departed this world and was given samadhi, ritual burial, near Gopal's Temple. After this, Gopal Giri engaged other renounced Vaisnavasin the daily worship of Gopal. After Gopal Giri departed at the age of 85, responsibility for Gopal’s service passed on to his son, Dinabandhu Giri.

·         How Gopal came to ISKCON: The following story is about how Gopal came to ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness), from the book Gopal Jiu - The Beloved Deity of His Holiness Gour Govinda Swami (by Gopal Jiupublications) (pages 55 till 61). Ghanashyam Giri's father, Gopinath Giri, departed this world in 1964. From 1964 until 1992 Ghanashyam Giri was entrusted with serving Gopal. He worked very hard to make Gopal happy, but after some time he found that there was very little help. Concerned about how Gopal's service could be maintained, he remembered his cousin-brother Braja-bandhu Manik who had become a sannyasi-guru in ISKCON and was now known as Gour Govinda Swami Maharaja. Ghanashyam Giri thought that since GourGovinda Swami had so much devotion for Gopal he would be the appropriate person to whom to pass on the service of Gopal.

·         In the meantime, His Holiness Gour Govinda Swami Maharaj was regularly coming to Gadeigiri for darsana. Before and after traveling abroad for his preaching tours he would always seek the blessings of Gopal. In 1989 GourGovinda Swami began bringing devotees from the large ISKCON Temple in Bhubaneswar to Gadeigiri to celebrate Radhastami, the appearance festival of Srimati Radharani. This developed into a grand festival of kirtan, lectures and Prasadam, and many of the local villagers would enthusiastically participate. Again, Ghanashyam Giri decided to give Gopal to Gour Govinda Swami. They discussed the matter and Gour Govinda Swami happily agreed to accept the responsibility. But shortly thereafter Ghanashyam Giri began again to have second thoughts. If he gave Gopal to the guru of so many Westerners, would Gopal then belong to the Western corner? One year went by, and seeing his reluctance Gour Govinda Swami became disappointed.

·         Ghanashyam Giri recalls the incident that changed his mind:

·         His Holiness Gour Govinda Swami immediately accepted Gopal and the property, and on 15 November 1993 he recorded everything in the name of ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness), the institution of his spiritual master, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.

Orissa map

Gadeigiri is situated in the Jagatsinghpur district of east-central Orissa, less than 2 hours from Cuttack and 2½ hour from Bhubaneswar. Gadeigiriis a beautiful village situated amidst the tranquil solitude of rural Orissa, surrounded by lotus-filled ponds and green paddy fields. Gadeigiri has a most interesting history. The village is named after its founder, Gadai Giri, a great devotee of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu. This village is extremely special as Lord Gopal Jiu came here especially from Sri Vrindavana Dhama in response to the desire of His devotee Gopal Giri and has stayed with the Giri family for over 250 years. During that time Gopal Jiu has manifested many unique and amazing pastimes. The history of those pastimes as well as that of the Giri family have been passed down for the last ten generations.

Jagatsinghpur district map

Gadeigiri is a very beautiful and quiet place much like other small villages in India, consisting mostly of mud huts with thatched roofs. The residents of Gadeigiri are very devoted to Krishna-bhakti and dedicated to Lord Gopal Jiu since generations. In front of almost every house one will find a shrine for the sacred Tulasi plant, and it is common to hear the sound of the Maha-mantra: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare | Hare-Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare || - being sung. The residents take their daily bath in the local pond, keep cows, and cook over cow-dung fires in the same way their ancestors have done for thousands of years. The main sources of livelihood are rice cultivation and the selling of brass utensils.

Sri Gopal Jiu Temple at Gadeigiri

The village Gadeigiri is named after its founder, Gadai Giri, who migrated from the district of Midnapore in the 17th century. He was a businessman who regularly came to the area to sell utensils and bell-metal items. Every year Gadai Giri would come during the rainy season, stay four or five months, and then return to Midnapore. Gadai Giri was a gentle and saintly person. He would rise early each morning and perform kirtan. Then after taking some flat rice and water he would go out selling brass utensils door to door. When evening arrived he would spend the night in some village and join with the local people in their daily custom of singing kirtan and reciting Srimad-Bhagavatam. He soon became well known as a good kirtansinger and a devotee. He received frequent invitations to take part in different sankirtana festivals celebrated for the pleasure of the various local deity's of Baladeva Jiu, Brindaban Bihari Jiu, Radha Madan Mohan Jiu, and Dadhi Baman Jiu.

Srimati Tulasi at Sri Gopal Jiu Temple

Appreciating Gadai Giri's saintly qualities, the local zamindar (feudal landlord) offered to give him some nearby land. Shortly thereafter GadaiGiri met a naga-sannyasi, a naked mendicant, who was very pleased with Gadai Giri's gentle behaviour and high character. One day, Gadai Giriand the sannyasi were walking together in the forest when suddenly they heard the sweet voices of several different kinds of birds as well as the sounds of a flute, ankle bells, and a conch shell. The naga-sadhu told him, "Where such auspicious sounds are heard, Lord Krishna Himself is present. Wherever Lord Krishna is present His consort Lakshmi, the Goddess of fortune, is also present. This is a sacred place, a place of glory. You should build a house here for your residence and engage yourself fully in the service of the Lord. Here, whatever you desire will immediately fulfilled".

Their Lordships Sri Sri Radha-Gopal Jiu, Sri Sri Gaura-Nitai and patita-pavana Lord Jagannatha

Presenting all these things before the zamindar, Gadai Giri received from him a large segment of land, including an area for cultivation. He cleared a small section of the jungle indicated by the naga-sadhu and built a house and a small Temple wherein he established a Deity of Dadhi Baman. When Lord Jagannatha is worshiped without his brother Baladeva and sister Subhadra, He is known as Patita Pavan or Dadhi Baman. Gadai Giri left his brass business and simply engaged himself in bhajan and kirtan. Many wandering sadhus and sannyasis came to join with Gadai Giri's kirtan. Gradually other people came to stay permanently, and a village developed in that place, in Gadai Giri's name.

Their Lordships Sri Sri Radha-Gopal Jiu

Sri Gopal Jiu here is extremely special as Their Lordships came especially from Sri Vrindavana Dhama in response to the desire of His devotee Gopal Giri and has stayed here for over 250 years.

Gadai Giri had only one son, who was named Gopal Giri. Gopal Giri was influenced by the devotional qualities of his father and was very devoted to Lord Jagannatha. Every year he would go to Puri to see the Rathayatra festival. He was also very attached to performing sankirtan, and was expert in many different styles of kirtan. In Gopal Giri’s heart was a strong desire to worship the Lord in His eternal form of Lord Gopala. Unable to find such a deity, he decided to go to Jagannatha Puri, thinking that if he would render service to Lord Jagannatha there, then somehow Gopal would come to him. Arriving in Puri, he stayed in the area known as Kundei Benta Sahinear Grand Road. As he was very scholarly, he easily obtained service in the office of the king, where he became the poddar, or cashier, for the Temple of Lord Jagannatha.

Their Lordships Sri Sri Radha-Gopal Jiu

Even whilst dutifully carrying out his obligations as a treasurer, he was always praying for that time when he could give his occupation and fully dedicate his life to the service and pleasure of his ista-deva - Lord Gopal - Krishna, the cowherd boy. He cried for the Lord to appear before him in that form and accept whatever service he could offer. He led a veryregulated life. He would daily go to see Lord Jagannatha and at the Temple he would sit on the bais pahaca, the 22 steps inside the compound leading up to the main darsana area, and there he would read Srimad-Bhagavatam. In the evening he would take Prasadam and go home. Every Sunday he would go to the Satalahari Math, a temple near the ocean, where he would sit and read Srimad-Bhagavatam and chant Harinam. He was very attached to Srimad-Bhagavatam.

Sri Gopal Jiu Temple at Gadeigiri

During the Rathayatra festivals in Puri, Gopal Giri would approach devotees and sadhus coming from Vrindavana and ask them: “Please give me your blessings so that I may obtain a deity of Lord Gopala; it is my heart’s desire to worship Him.” They would readily agree. "Yes, yes," they would say. "Next time I will bring a Gopal Deity for you." But no one ever brought a Deity. At this same time, in Vrindavana there was one renounced devotee who was worshiping a deity of Gopal. 

Sri Sri Radha-Gopal Jiu (big)

One night this Gopal Deity told the Vaisnava, 'You take me to Gopal Giri, the son of Gadai Giri. He wants to offer Me worship. I want to go there. Take me there.' But the Vaisnava thought that it was only a dream. He did not take it seriously. After a few days Gopal came again in a dream and beat him with a cane on his legs. It was such a severe beating that his legs were bleeding. The sannyasi Vaisnava woke up and begged, apologizing, 'Please forgive me for my offense. I did not take Your order seriously. But You have beaten me so severely, how can I go there with such wounds on my legs?' Gopal said, 'When Gopal Giri touches you, it will be healed, otherwise you cannot be cured. You go there at once. Don't make any delay.'

His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

Founder-Acarya of International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON)

So the Vaishnava started walking from Vrindavana to Jagannatha Puri. At that time there was no communication system, no train or bus. The only way was by walking. It took him two and a half months to reach Puri. At this time Gopal Giri was staying in a rented house at Kundhei Benta Sahi in Puri. The Vaisnava reached Puri in the evening and stayed near the Jagannatha temple. Early the next morning he inquired, 'Who is Gopal Giri? I want to meet him.' Many people knew Gopal Giri. He was famous as the cashier of the Jagannatha temple. So he quickly found Gopal Giri at his rented house.kasturi-tilakam lalata-patale vaksah-sthale kaustubham

nasagre vara-mauktikam kara-tale venuh kare kankanam

sarvange hari-candanam su-lalitam kanthe ca muktavali

gopa-stri-parivestito vijayate gopala-cuda-manih

“All glories to the crest jewel of cowherd boys known as Gopal, who has a musk tilala-mark on His forehead, the kaustubha jewel on His chest, a graceful pearl on the tip of His nose, a flute in His hand, a bracelet on His wrist, graceful sandalwood paste on all of His limbs, a necklace of pearls on His neck, and who is surrounded by a host of gopis.” (Sri-gopala-sahasra-nama, text 28)

Gadeigiri is a beautiful village situated amidst the tranquil solitude of rural Orissa (less than two-hour drive from Cuttack and nearly three hours from Jagannatha Puri Dhama), surrounded by lotus-filled ponds and green paddy fields. Gadeigiri has a most interesting history. The village is named after its founder, Gadai Giri, a great devotee of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu, who hailed from Midnapore in Bengal, some 300 years ago. This village is extremely special as Lord Gopal Jiu came here especially from Sri Vrindavana Dhama in response to the desire of His devotee Gopal Giri and has stayed here for over 250 years. During that time Gopal Jiu has manifested many unique and amazing pastimes. The history of those pastimes as well as that of the Giri family have been passed down for the last ten generations. 

·         Gadeigiri is in the Jagatsinghpur district of east-central Orissa, less than two-hour drive from Cuttack and nearly three hours from Jagannatha Puri Dhama. It is a very beautiful and quiet place much like other small villages in India, consisting mostly of mud huts with thatched roofs. The residents of Gadeigiri are very devoted to Krishna-bhakti and dedicated to Lord Gopal Jiu since generations. In front of almost every house one will find a shrine for the sacred Tulasi plant, and it is common to hear the sound of the Maha-mantra: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare | Hare-Hare Rama Hare Rama RamaRama Hare Hare || - being sung. The residents take their daily bath in the local pond, keep cows, and cook over cow-dung fires in the same way their ancestors have done for thousands of years. The main sources of livelihood are rice cultivation and the selling of brass utensils.

·         Founding of Gadeigiri: The village Gadeigiri is named after its founder, GadaiGiri, who migrated from the district of Midnapore in the 17th century. He was a businessman who regularly came to the area to sell utensils and bell-metal items. Every year Gadai Giri would come during the rainy season, stay four or five months, and then return to Midnapore. Gadai Giri was a gentle and saintly person. He would rise early each morning and perform kirtan. Then after taking some flat rice and water he would go out selling brass utensils door to door. When evening arrived he would spend the night in some village and join with the local people in their daily custom of singing kirtan and reciting Srimad-Bhagavatam. He soon became well known as a good kirtan singer and a devotee. He received frequent invitations to take part in different sankirtana festivals celebrated for the pleasure of the various local deity's of Baladeva Jiu, BrindabanBihari Jiu, Radha Madan Mohan Jiu, and Dadhi Baman Jiu. Appreciating GadaiGiri's saintly qualities, the local zamindar (feudal landlord) offered to give him some nearby land. Shortly thereafter Gadai Giri met a naga-sannyasi, a naked mendicant, who was very pleased with Gadai Giri's gentle behaviour and high character. One day, Gadai Giri and the sannyasi were walking together in the forest when suddenly they heard the sweet voices of several different kinds of birds as well as the sounds of a flute, ankle bells, and a conch shell. The naga-sadhu told him, "Where such auspicious sounds are heard, Lord Krishna Himself is present. Wherever Lord Krishna is present His consort Lakshmi, the Goddess of fortune, is also present. This is a sacred place, a place of glory. You should build a house here for your residence and engage yourself fully in the service of the Lord. Here, whatever you desire will immediately fulfilled". Presenting all these things before the zamindar, Gadai Giri received from him a large segment of land, including an area for cultivation. He cleared a small section of the jungle indicated by the naga-sadhu and built a house and a small Temple wherein he established a Deity of Dadhi Baman. When Lord Jagannatha is worshiped without his brother Baladeva and sister Subhadra, He is known as Patita Pavan or DadhiBaman. Gadai Giri left his brass business and simply engaged himself in bhajanand kirtan. Many wandering sadhus and sannyasis came to join with Gadai Giri'skirtan. Gradually other people came to stay permanently, and a village developed in that place, in Gadai Giri's name.

·         Gopal Giri: Gadai Giri had only one son, who was named Gopal Giri. Gopal Giriwas influenced by the devotional qualities of his father and was very devoted to Lord Jagannatha. Every year he would go to Puri to see the Rathayatra festival. He was also very attached to performing sankirtan, and was expert in many different styles of kirtan. In Gopal Giri’s heart was a strong desire to worship the Lord in His eternal form of Lord Gopala. Unable to find such a deity, he decided to go to Jagannatha Puri, thinking that if he would render service to Lord Jagannatha there, then somehow Gopal would come to him. Arriving in Puri, he stayed in the area known as Kundei Benta Sahi near Grand Road. As he was very scholarly, he easily obtained service in the office of the king, where he became the poddar, or cashier, for the Temple of Lord Jagannatha. Even whilst dutifully carrying out his obligations as a treasurer, he was always praying for that time when he could give his occupation and fully dedicate his life to the service and pleasure of his ista-deva - Lord Gopal - Krishna, the cowherd boy. He cried for the Lord to appear before him in that form and accept whatever service he could offer. He led a very regulated life. He would daily go to see Lord Jagannatha and at the Temple he would sit on the bais pahaca, the 22 steps inside the compound leading up to the main darsana area, and there he would read Srimad-Bhagavatam. In the evening he would take Prasadam and go home. Every Sunday he would go to the Satalahari Math, a temple near the ocean, where he would sit and read Srimad-Bhagavatam and chant Harinam. He was very attached to Srimad-Bhagavatam.

·         Lord Gopal comes from Vrindavana: During the Rathayatra festivals in Puri, Gopal Giri would approach devotees and sadhus coming from Vrindavana and ask them: “Please give me your blessings so that I may obtain a deity of Lord Gopala; it is my heart’s desire to worship Him.” They would readily agree. "Yes, yes," they would say. "Next time I will bring a Gopal Deity for you." But no one ever brought a Deity. At this same time, in Vrindavana there was one renounced devotee who was worshiping a deity of Gopal. One night this Gopal deity appeared in the sannyasi's dream and spoke to him. 

·         His Holiness Gour Govinda Swami Maharaj tells this story, “How Lord Gopal came from Vrindavana”: 

·         Gopal Giri installed the Gopal deity in Gadeigiri and requested the renunciatefrom Vrindavana to perform Gopal's daily worship. After serving Gopal for twenty years, the renunciate departed this world and was given samadhi, ritual burial, near Gopal's Temple. After this, Gopal Giri engaged other renounced Vaisnavasin the daily worship of Gopal. After Gopal Giri departed at the age of 85, responsibility for Gopal’s service passed on to his son, Dinabandhu Giri.

·         How Gopal came to ISKCON: The following story is about how Gopal came to ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness), from the book Gopal Jiu - The Beloved Deity of His Holiness Gour Govinda Swami (by Gopal Jiupublications) (pages 55 till 61). Ghanashyam Giri's father, Gopinath Giri, departed this world in 1964. From 1964 until 1992 Ghanashyam Giri was entrusted with serving Gopal. He worked very hard to make Gopal happy, but after some time he found that there was very little help. Concerned about how Gopal's service could be maintained, he remembered his cousin-brother Braja-bandhu Manik who had become a sannyasi-guru in ISKCON and was now known as Gour Govinda Swami Maharaja. Ghanashyam Giri thought that since GourGovinda Swami had so much devotion for Gopal he would be the appropriate person to whom to pass on the service of Gopal.

·         In the meantime, His Holiness Gour Govinda Swami Maharaj was regularly coming to Gadeigiri for darsana. Before and after traveling abroad for his preaching tours he would always seek the blessings of Gopal. In 1989 GourGovinda Swami began bringing devotees from the large ISKCON Temple in Bhubaneswar to Gadeigiri to celebrate Radhastami, the appearance festival of Srimati Radharani. This developed into a grand festival of kirtan, lectures and Prasadam, and many of the local villagers would enthusiastically participate. Again, Ghanashyam Giri decided to give Gopal to Gour Govinda Swami. They discussed the matter and Gour Govinda Swami happily agreed to accept the responsibility. But shortly thereafter Ghanashyam Giri began again to have second thoughts. If he gave Gopal to the guru of so many Westerners, would Gopal then belong to the Western corner? One year went by, and seeing his reluctance Gour Govinda Swami became disappointed.

·         Ghanashyam Giri recalls the incident that changed his mind:

·         His Holiness Gour Govinda Swami immediately accepted Gopal and the property, and on 15 November 1993 he recorded everything in the name of ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness), the institution of his spiritual master, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.

Orissa map

Gadeigiri is situated in the Jagatsinghpur district of east-central Orissa, less than 2 hours from Cuttack and 2½ hour from Bhubaneswar. Gadeigiriis a beautiful village situated amidst the tranquil solitude of rural Orissa, surrounded by lotus-filled ponds and green paddy fields. Gadeigiri has a most interesting history. The village is named after its founder, Gadai Giri, a great devotee of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu. This village is extremely special as Lord Gopal Jiu came here especially from Sri Vrindavana Dhama in response to the desire of His devotee Gopal Giri and has stayed with the Giri family for over 250 years. During that time Gopal Jiu has manifested many unique and amazing pastimes. The history of those pastimes as well as that of the Giri family have been passed down for the last ten generations.

Jagatsinghpur district map

Gadeigiri is a very beautiful and quiet place much like other small villages in India, consisting mostly of mud huts with thatched roofs. The residents of Gadeigiri are very devoted to Krishna-bhakti and dedicated to Lord Gopal Jiu since generations. In front of almost every house one will find a shrine for the sacred Tulasi plant, and it is common to hear the sound of the Maha-mantra: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare | Hare-Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare || - being sung. The residents take their daily bath in the local pond, keep cows, and cook over cow-dung fires in the same way their ancestors have done for thousands of years. The main sources of livelihood are rice cultivation and the selling of brass utensils.

Sri Gopal Jiu Temple at Gadeigiri

The village Gadeigiri is named after its founder, Gadai Giri, who migrated from the district of Midnapore in the 17th century. He was a businessman who regularly came to the area to sell utensils and bell-metal items. Every year Gadai Giri would come during the rainy season, stay four or five months, and then return to Midnapore. Gadai Giri was a gentle and saintly person. He would rise early each morning and perform kirtan. Then after taking some flat rice and water he would go out selling brass utensils door to door. When evening arrived he would spend the night in some village and join with the local people in their daily custom of singing kirtan and reciting Srimad-Bhagavatam. He soon became well known as a good kirtansinger and a devotee. He received frequent invitations to take part in different sankirtana festivals celebrated for the pleasure of the various local deity's of Baladeva Jiu, Brindaban Bihari Jiu, Radha Madan Mohan Jiu, and Dadhi Baman Jiu.

Srimati Tulasi at Sri Gopal Jiu Temple

Appreciating Gadai Giri's saintly qualities, the local zamindar (feudal landlord) offered to give him some nearby land. Shortly thereafter GadaiGiri met a naga-sannyasi, a naked mendicant, who was very pleased with Gadai Giri's gentle behaviour and high character. One day, Gadai Giriand the sannyasi were walking together in the forest when suddenly they heard the sweet voices of several different kinds of birds as well as the sounds of a flute, ankle bells, and a conch shell. The naga-sadhu told him, "Where such auspicious sounds are heard, Lord Krishna Himself is present. Wherever Lord Krishna is present His consort Lakshmi, the Goddess of fortune, is also present. This is a sacred place, a place of glory. You should build a house here for your residence and engage yourself fully in the service of the Lord. Here, whatever you desire will immediately fulfilled".

Their Lordships Sri Sri Radha-Gopal Jiu, Sri Sri Gaura-Nitai and patita-pavana Lord Jagannatha

Presenting all these things before the zamindar, Gadai Giri received from him a large segment of land, including an area for cultivation. He cleared a small section of the jungle indicated by the naga-sadhu and built a house and a small Temple wherein he established a Deity of Dadhi Baman. When Lord Jagannatha is worshiped without his brother Baladeva and sister Subhadra, He is known as Patita Pavan or Dadhi Baman. Gadai Giri left his brass business and simply engaged himself in bhajan and kirtan. Many wandering sadhus and sannyasis came to join with Gadai Giri's kirtan. Gradually other people came to stay permanently, and a village developed in that place, in Gadai Giri's name.

Their Lordships Sri Sri Radha-Gopal Jiu

Sri Gopal Jiu here is extremely special as Their Lordships came especially from Sri Vrindavana Dhama in response to the desire of His devotee Gopal Giri and has stayed here for over 250 years.

Gadai Giri had only one son, who was named Gopal Giri. Gopal Giri was influenced by the devotional qualities of his father and was very devoted to Lord Jagannatha. Every year he would go to Puri to see the Rathayatra festival. He was also very attached to performing sankirtan, and was expert in many different styles of kirtan. In Gopal Giri’s heart was a strong desire to worship the Lord in His eternal form of Lord Gopala. Unable to find such a deity, he decided to go to Jagannatha Puri, thinking that if he would render service to Lord Jagannatha there, then somehow Gopal would come to him. Arriving in Puri, he stayed in the area known as Kundei Benta Sahinear Grand Road. As he was very scholarly, he easily obtained service in the office of the king, where he became the poddar, or cashier, for the Temple of Lord Jagannatha.

Their Lordships Sri Sri Radha-Gopal Jiu

Even whilst dutifully carrying out his obligations as a treasurer, he was always praying for that time when he could give his occupation and fully dedicate his life to the service and pleasure of his ista-deva - Lord Gopal - Krishna, the cowherd boy. He cried for the Lord to appear before him in that form and accept whatever service he could offer. He led a veryregulated life. He would daily go to see Lord Jagannatha and at the Temple he would sit on the bais pahaca, the 22 steps inside the compound leading up to the main darsana area, and there he would read Srimad-Bhagavatam. In the evening he would take Prasadam and go home. Every Sunday he would go to the Satalahari Math, a temple near the ocean, where he would sit and read Srimad-Bhagavatam and chant Harinam. He was very attached to Srimad-Bhagavatam.

Sri Gopal Jiu Temple at Gadeigiri

During the Rathayatra festivals in Puri, Gopal Giri would approach devotees and sadhus coming from Vrindavana and ask them: “Please give me your blessings so that I may obtain a deity of Lord Gopala; it is my heart’s desire to worship Him.” They would readily agree. "Yes, yes," they would say. "Next time I will bring a Gopal Deity for you." But no one ever brought a Deity. At this same time, in Vrindavana there was one renounced devotee who was worshiping a deity of Gopal. 

Sri Sri Radha-Gopal Jiu (big)

One night this Gopal Deity told the Vaisnava, 'You take me to Gopal Giri, the son of Gadai Giri. He wants to offer Me worship. I want to go there. Take me there.' But the Vaisnava thought that it was only a dream. He did not take it seriously. After a few days Gopal came again in a dream and beat him with a cane on his legs. It was such a severe beating that his legs were bleeding. The sannyasi Vaisnava woke up and begged, apologizing, 'Please forgive me for my offense. I did not take Your order seriously. But You have beaten me so severely, how can I go there with such wounds on my legs?' Gopal said, 'When Gopal Giri touches you, it will be healed, otherwise you cannot be cured. You go there at once. Don't make any delay.'

His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

Founder-Acarya of International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON)

So the Vaishnava started walking from Vrindavana to Jagannatha Puri. At that time there was no communication system, no train or bus. The only way was by walking. It took him two and a half months to reach Puri. At this time Gopal Giri was staying in a rented house at Kundhei Benta Sahi in Puri. The Vaisnava reached Puri in the evening and stayed near the Jagannatha temple. Early the next morning he inquired, 'Who is Gopal Giri? I want to meet him.' Many people knew Gopal Giri. He was famous as the cashier of the Jagannatha temple. So he quickly found Gopal Giri at his rented house.

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The renowned International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) celebrated the 50th anniversary of its founding by revered spiritual leader A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada with an elaborate black-tie gala in Washington DC late last month. The event brought together scores of religious, academic and political leaders from across the country to celebrate the life of Swami Prabhupada and the influential, global organization his work inspired.

Founded in 1966 in New York, ISKCON boasts more than 600 centers and millions of adherents worldwide who worship the Hindu deity Krishna, a central figure in the Hindu religion. Swami Prabhupada played a major role in introducing the western world to teachings of Krishna by translating major Hindu works, including the Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam, into English and spreading their message across the United States.

Over 300 guests attended the gala, which took place just blocks away from the White House. Highlighting the interfaith support ISKCON enjoys in the United States since its inception, the guest roster included Catholic and Protestant priests, Jewish rabbis and the new chaplain of Hindu life at Georgetown University, amongst other religious leaders.

Reflecting on the significance of the event, an attendee of the gala, Hrishikesh Hari, observed “At a moment in history influenced by deep internal and external division, the Gala left a deep and healing impression because it united people of all faiths.”

In addition to high-ranking representatives from a host of foreign embassies and the executive branch, several members of Congress attended the celebration, including Congressman Joe Kennedy (D-MA) and Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI). Representative Gabbard is currently the only Hindu-American member of Congress, although she could be joined by several others in the upcoming November elections.

Anuttama Dasa, the gala’s primary organizer who serves as ISKCON’s Communications Minister and Governing Body Commissioner, noted “It was humbling to see government officials, religious leaders, and academic scholars all come together to honor Swami Prabhupada and the religious society he began that has made significant contributions to the areas of philosophy, culture, literature, religious freedom, and social welfare in the last 50 years.”

ISKCON’s followers include some of the country’s most prominent figures. Alfred B. Ford, great-grandson of car magnate Henry Ford, is one of the organization’s leading figures and addressed the gala regarding ISKCON’s landmark spiritual project in West Bengal inspired by the teachings of Swami Prabhupada, the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium. Former Apple Inc. CEO Steve Jobs recounted in his famous 2005 commencement speechto Stanford University how he relied on ISKCON temples to feed himself: “I didn’t have a dorm room, so I slept on the floor in friends’ rooms. I would walk the seven miles across town every Sunday night to get one good meal a week at the Hare Krishna temple. I loved it.”

Former Beatle, George Harrison, likely remains the most famous ISKCON supporter. He recorded routinely with Hare Krishnas and included the Hare Krishna mantra in his 1970’s hit “My Sweet Lord.”

Over the past half-century, ISKCON has established an impressive track record of public service, community activism and charitable work. Its global vegetarian food relief program, for example, has responded to the needs of people all over the world, including victims of the 2004 tsunami in Southeast Asia and victims of Hurricane Katrina the following year in the United States. Every day 1.2 million school children are fed daily in schools across India by an ISKCON-run food relief program. Bhaktivedanta Hospital, one of nine ISKCON-affiliated hospitals and medical clinics, treated over 200,000 patients this past year.

Anuttama observed, “Slowly, but surely, ISKCON is growing globally in its influence. Its 50-year history has witnessed significant contributions to society from promoting vegetarianism to defending religious freedom around the world. It has also helped introduce the concepts of yoga, karma, mantra meditation and reincarnation to the West where they are now considered mainstream.”

Reflecting on what ISKCON may offer over the next 50 years, Ananda Vrindavanesvari, President of the ISKCON center in Washington DC, offered “the Hare Krishnas’ core practice of devotional service, or service to the Divine, and emphasis on compassion for all living beings has the potential to help solve the major issues facing the world in the years ahead.”

World leaders have joined the chorus congratulating ISKCON. Former British Prime Minister David Cameron celebrated the 50th anniversary at an ISKCON center outside of London in June, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently wrote a letter celebrating the “teachings and wisdom of the faith.” Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote a letter in August praising five decades of “selfless service” and commending “the efforts of the ISKCON family in sectors like education, publishing and disaster-relief.”

The gala in Washington is one of hundreds of such celebrations around the world this year, with additional commemorations expected throughout the end of the year in the United States and abroad. Other notable events included an academic conference at the Harvard Center for the Study of World Religions on the global impact of the Hare Krishna movement in April and a celebration at the Sydney Opera House in August. Another major gala event is planned in Houston in December.

Source:http://www.forbes.com/sites/ronakdesai/2016/10/27/iskcon-celebrates-50-years-since-its-founding/#69718a9a5f49

Vedic culture says that nature will respond according to the behaviour of people. The behaviour of nature is directly related to the behaviour of people on the planet. This is something that I never thought of before coming to Krsna consciousness, it had never occurred to me. And the reason for this correlation is because nature has a divine origin – behind nature is the Supreme Lord and everything in this world is going on under the control of the Supreme Lord. As the Bhagavad-gita explains, ‘Not a blade of grass moves without the will of the Lord’.

It is not that he is personally involved with every aspect of it, no, these things are simply going on by his will, by his desire. He does not need to sit in the control room and make sure that nature takes its course but still, nature is acting according to a divine plan. One does not exclude the other.

It is not that we are not in this world… we are! It is not that spiritual life means that we do not deal with this world. Of course, we deal with this world – we live in this world and we have to take care of it but it is not the all and everything.

In most traditions, whether we are looking at a more Asian traditions where Hinduism became predominant…. or even Far East Asia where Buddhist tradition is more prevalent, whatever it maybe, we find that in all these kinds of traditions, the human form of life is recognized to be in a unique position amongst all other forms of life! The human form of life stands out in that sense. In the human form of life one is held responsible for one’s actions. This is a common understanding.

Source:https://www.kksblog.com/2016/10/unique-living-beings/

Lord Jagannath Shobha Yatra at Budh Vihar of North West Delhi district in Delhi by ISKCON Rohini Delhi’s devotees (6 min video)
Srila Prabhupada: If you get one thousand of rupees, ten rupees is already there. If you get Krishna, you get all perfection. Hrishikesh, May 15, 1977.
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/yh5WGt

Source:http://www.dandavats.com/?p=32674

Today I was in Sydney central I stopped this young Chinese couple saying, “We’re stopping all the good looking couples today and showing these books on meditation,” They laughed and stopped happily. The guy said, “Oh meditation? My golf teacher said that he plays good golf because he meditates daily and he highly recommends it.”
The boy was into it right away. The girl wasn’t into it but ended up she was the one who had the money so I was praying to Krishna to help. The guy asked her if she could give me a donation. She looked at me and said, “I will pay for the book if you promise me that this book will change him.” I said, “It will surely change him,’ and asked, what’s wrong with him anyways?” She said, “Oh he looks at too many girls, I want him to become loyal to me.” and she gave the donation. As I put the donation in my pocket I said, “I don’t know about the book making him loyal to you, but it might make him a celibate monk.” They both laughed and she said, “That’s even better.” And they walked away happily with Srila Prabhupada’s book “THE SCIENCE OF SELF REALIZATION”.
Your Servant
Shastra krit Das.

Source:http://www.dandavats.com/?p=32676

There comes a time, sometimes regularly, where we may feel, Oh, Krishna. I can’t do this anymore. This ‘this’ will be different for everyone. It happened to Arjuna in the Gita – he wanted to give up, not to fight, and go off to the forest to be alone. He did not want to deal with people and life’s problems. He told Krishna: I’m not fighting, I can’t do it, I can’t see the point, better if I don’t act and move to the side.

If it can happen to Arjuna, who had everything going for him, including talent, skill, health, family, and especially friendship with Krishna, it can certainly happen to all of us. The struggle for existence, as daily life is described in our teachings, can sometimes just be too much. We will feel like Arjuna and have a desire to give up and go away.

Arjuna was a good person. He did nothing wrong and still he felt despondent. Of course that was connected to him not wanting to do anything wrong; the impending war and killing was something he was having grave doubts about. And he was a warrior! In his blood was the natural desire to protect the innocent and ensure good leadership in the world. Still he was overwhelmed, doubtful, and unsure of his next steps.

Our fight may be with an illness, a slow recovery, mistakes, a sudden death, a mountain of bills or debts, a challenging work environment, tension in relationships, a loss, a failure, a breaking of the law. Or it maybe we see how broken the world is and feel helpless to help. The list is endless.

How to respond to such feelings of inadequacy? How to work through them, gathering our resolve, and moving forward? We need to be able to do this otherwise such feelings will wear away at our energy and we will slowly grind to a halt.

By the end of the Gita, Arjuna has found his understanding, found his sense of self in relationship to the context of his life. Here are three of Krishna’s teachings in the Gita that helped him recover and re-energize:

We have to do something:
We are a soul with a body. One one level, spiritually, we have nothing to do with this world. The soul remains untouched. One another level, while in the body, we are connected to the world and must move within it. We are forced to act, even if all we do is breathe and eat. And every move has an impact on our future – both action and inaction. Be careful Arjuna, Krishna says. Running from difficulty may seem like a good move, but will solve nothing.

Do what we are good at:
Krishna told Arjuna, you are a warrior. To go off and be a renunciate is not your calling. You won’t be able to do it, and it will be neither good for you nor the world. Better do what you are called to do by your natural talents and disposition than trying to avoid your duty because it’s hard. We should try to adopt this mood ourselves. What is our best way to serve, to give, to live in community with others and Krishna? What is our part to play, even though we may sometimes want to be or do something else. We have to find our best fit.

Don’t do it for ourselves, but for Krishna:
Even if we know what to do and it’s what we are good at, we can still feel off center. That’s because life becomes dry if we are only trying to live it for ourselves. Working for others is a step up, but that still wasn’t enough for Arjuna. Ultimately we need to do it for Krishna. Krishna told Arjuna, “Remember Me and fight.”

How can we apply these things? We should think, “I am doing this for Krishna so let me do it in the best way possible.” If I am cooking for friends, let me cook as if it’s for Krishna and make it fabulous. If I am repairing a wall, let me see it as Krishna’s wall and make it perfect. If I am managing, selling, planning, teaching, parenting, drawing, doctoring – whatever – let me do it to the very best of my ability. Let me develop that ability. Let me be and do the best for Krishna.

Arjuna had Krishna in his uncertainty and so do we. With Krishna, we can face anything. And that makes all the difference.

Source:http://www.dandavats.com/?p=32678

So one thing is to simplify your life and this is really nice for the modern age to give yourself permission to simplify your life.
Atyahara, you don’t have to collect too much. In fact nowadays studies are showing that when you have less clutter in your life you can focus more and actually that focus is more important than intelligence. It’s better to be a focused person than to be a genius whose attention is being pulled all over the place. And one of the ways he’s recommending that you become focused as you simplify your life. Get rid of a few things that you don’t need. It’s actually very satisfying to the self when you get rid of external things that you don’t need. As many of you know. I know cause i’ve mentioned many times in this class, i once had a professional organizer come to my house. I’m getting rid of all the stuff i’m going to get it all organized. I hired a professional organizer. They’re really good too, that’s all they do, and she came over to our house and she told me something that really stuck in my mind. She said that all the extra things that you have hanging around amount to visual noise, visual noise. See that thing over there, yeah, what’s it for, i don’t know, get rid of it, get it out of your life and as you do one by one it’s also almost metaphorical because there’s parallel clutter in my heart at the same time, they are just clutter i keep in my heart. Why do i need all these things. I mean if you listen to any of the airwaves now days they will introduce you to unlimited ideas and worries that you never need and knew you needed to have and that you get to carry around. It’s clutter you don’t have to have it. You’re human being just soul in a human body just passing through this world and the shastras already given their complete permission to not concentrate on all the chatter. You have full permission not to tune into cnn, specially on fox or any of the other frequencies in this world that simply give you anxiety. You have permission you’re liberated. Don’t collect this clutter don’t collect it externally don’t collect it internally, this is a practice that anyone can take up in their life and feel satisfied. It’s a rage right now in japan somebody wrote a book about living a zen-like existence get rid of all your stuff that you don’t need and see how you feel. See if you’re not more focused when you get rid of all this stuff – maybe i’ll use this in a year, it’s a broken blender, my brother-in-law said he has a cousin who has a friend who lives in new york that he knows somebody in philadelphia who can fix it and therefore i’m holding on to it because it may have some value. If your are being chased by a tiger you have to go across the river you drop everything so you can swim faster. So think like that and also realize the fact that as you shed a lot of the extra things that you have in your life, you’ll see actually that krishna is supplying everything anyway. This is the beauty of growing up in an brahmachari asrama, this way you are trained, so children can learn early on i don’t need anything. I’m happy with a little mat on the floor and then only need is just a little prasadam and service and if i have that life is sublime and happy you don’t need anything else. But if you get an apartment you got to get insurance you gotta get a telephone then you gotta get internet and the internet doesn’t work fast enough so you got to get more internet then you gotta replace the telephone because it’s already obsolete by the time you get the internet and then you go then you enter into hell which is also known as home depot. Home depot with unlimited varieties of stuff you can’t figure out which one to get and it doesn’t matter which one you get its the wrong one and there’s nobody there that really cares to help you.

I really don’t care so this is commonsensical advice spiritual life. Is easy it’s something that you can start with right now. Right today. Start getting rid of a few things, started giving up a few the things you’re carrying within your heart that you don’t need to carry. Stop taking in extra things and have a simple diet, eat something that is simple. You don’t need extra stuff, you don’t eat junk, just simple foods offered to krishna and be happy with that. These are just two things that can make you feel so satisfied and then you can sit down and you can read bhagavad gita and chant hare krishna. Get rid of more stuff and only keep the things that you really need. If you just keep those things you’ll start feeling satisfied, so make a list about the things that really matter in your life, make a priority list, what one thing, if you could only do one thing for the next week, what do you think would be the most important thing for you to do that’s all you had to do for a week

Source:http://www.dandavats.com/?p=32682

Tamal Krishna Goswami: “This Braj is in prakad and aprakad, prakad means manifest and aprakad unmanifest. So, we cannot see the Braj without getting the eyes to see Braj, and Giriraj Govardhana has the power to bless us to be able to see. We can pray that 'You have seen everything, you have arranged everything, all of the pastimes happened on your own slope, on your lap.’ Just like if a child is sitting on the lap, you can see very nicely that child. So Krishna and Krishna’s associates, they’re performing their activities right on the lap of Giriraj Govardhana, he has seen everything. So we ask him to bless us with the vision to be able to see in the same way.
At the same time we also want another blessing, and that is the blessing which actually preceeds…comes first. 'Please give us the blessing to somehow be pleasing to our spiritual master,’ because without pleasing the devotee guru, how can one expect to please Krishna. So what is that service or activity which gives pleasure to guru? It is to help the guru in his service to his guru. And what is the guru’s or the guru parampara’s service? To reclaim the fallen conditioned souls. So the first prayer we can also make here is 'Give me some compassion my dear Giriraj Govardhana, give me some determination, give me the qualities by which I can assist my spiritual master and the other devotees of the Lord in the mission of spreading Krishna conciousness. At the same time give me that purity of heart by which one day I will qualify to be able to absorb myself in constantly remembering Your transcendental pastimes.’
This is the goal of our Krishna conciousness movement, to always remember Krishna, never forgetting Krishna.”

Source:http://www.dandavats.com/?p=32708

Devotee artist: After Donald Trump’s vice presidential running mate Mike Pence said in a speech that we had to stop illegal entry into the country otherwise ‘we’ll have taco trucks on every corner’, a Los Angeles curator invited me to participate in a new art exhibit called 'A Taco Truck on Every Corner’, the theme being, of course, taco trucks.
Remembering Srila Prabhupada’s directions, I dovetailed my abilities with the show’s theme and created a piece called 'Govinda’s Vegetarian and Vegan Taco Truck’.
It turned out to be a popular art piece in both the show and on social media.

Source:http://www.dandavats.com/?p=32715

Satsvarupa das Goswami: Sri Krishna is “handsomeness and waves of nectar of handsomeness.” (Brhad-Bhagavatamrta). But Srila Prabhupada was seventy or eighty years old. We were all young men, so why were we attracted to this “old man”? (Srila Prabhupada used to say, “I’m an old man, I may die at any moment.” And, “I am a poor foreigner. Why are they after me?”) He had the attractive features of a sage. The way he sat, the shape of his head, the gestures of his hands. He was from the East, like Gautama Buddha. He sat on the floor or on the ground, and whatever furniture he had was at a low center of gravity, no chairs. The aura and look in his eyes was from another world. You can’t describe it, his shining eyes. His eyes signaled, “You can look in my eyes but you will not be able to understand my love of Krishna, but that’s what’s there.” He was childlike also, very sweet but very strong. You couldn’t come before him like a rogue and a rascal and still approach him. You had to accept that he was an elderly person, a guru, and you must be respectful to him, and then things could happen. Then you could begin to perceive his actual beauty; he would relax and allow himself to be taken care of by you and exchange with you. 

We were certainly not turned off by the fact that he was an elderly person. We weren’t looking for youth. We knew where our youthful smart-aleckness had gotten us—into trouble and suffering. There was no question of sexual attraction, or as men sometimes do, squaring off with aggressiveness: “Can you beat me up? Can I beat him up?” With Srila Prabhupada, it was freedom from all that because he was the guru, he was old, and he knew so many things that you didn’t know. 

Srila Prabhupada kept spelling everything out: He was a representative of Krishna, and Krishna is there in His name, Krishna is there in so many ways, and we can serve Krishna and go to Krishna. Aside from Srila Prabhupada, nobody was going to tell you about Krishna —that Krishna is God and that Krishna is a cowherd boy. Krishna was so “far out” we couldn’t believe it, but every time we went in front of Srila Prabhupada, we had to believe it. He kept up the reality of Krishna. And in the books that he gave out—there was Krishna. He made such a powerful presentation that you said, “Let’s go up and hear the Swami talk about Krishna.” You would come to him with your concoctions, “What about this? And what about that?” But Srila Prabhupada would bring it right back to Krishna and you would accept it. And so, gradually in his presence, hearing about Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and devotional service to Krishna, you started becoming Krishna-ized and you realized that Srila Prabhupada had knowledge and influence to do this to people—to create faith in them, for Krishna. But you had to go back regularly to him and get it charged up. 

He had unshakeable faith in Krishna, and he could see Krishna. We sometimes imagined how he saw Krishna. We couldn’t quite understand it. When did he talk with Him, in sleep? Srila Prabhupada would say, “Yes, you can talk with Krishna, but He only talks with intimate persons.” We may not have known exactly how, but we did know that we were attracted to him because he had such conviction about Krishna. I remember once in that room he said, “People can talk philosophy about Krishna, but what is their realization?” Then I realized that’s what he’s got—full realization of Krishna. Exactly how he realized, we didn’t know, but we had faith that he was experiencing a huge amount that we were not. 

Those who were not his disciples thought he was pretty much like everybody else: an old man with Hindu knowledge, probably the same motives and drives as everybody else. But we disciples believed in him and sensed that his perception of everything was very different from ours. He was in touch with Krishna, and fascinating, attractive and lovable. We could sense his mystic potency. Even Allen Ginsberg saw it: “I would disagree with him and even suspect ego exchanges, but no matter how much I disagreed, I was always glad to be with him because of the aura of sweetness due to his complete dedication.” Nicely put. Even he, although not a disciple, when coming into Srila Prabhupada’s presence, was able to see, “Here is a man who is totally dedicated and in love with Krishna.” That made Srila Prabhupada beautiful; although he appeared to be an old man, he was beautiful because of his love for Krishna.

Source:http://www.dandavats.com/?p=32736

In this chapter, the passing away of Bhismadev, in the purport to this verse there is a list of challenges for society at large to improve their quality of life. The first challenge is, “Not to become angry!” We remember Upadesamrta, the Nectar of Instruction Verse 1, vaco vegam manasa krodha vegam, one must control the pushings of anger. So even when anger is pushing, one must somehow or other subdue it. Bhismadev also said that in order to conquer anger, one must learn to forgive because it is very difficult to judge with two types of measurements – measurement for others and different measurements for ourselves. For ourselves, there are so many explanations for our mistakes, “It wasn’t really my fault. It was just circumstances. I didn’t intend it that way…”whereas for others, “How could they do that! This is outrageous.” We judge them different and the same extenuating circumstances are not being considered so Bhismadev points out that we must learn to forgive. We have to see that others make mistakes because then we can overcome anger.  

Forgiving is not necessarily the same as forgetting. If someone has committed an abominable activity, we may forgive but it does not mean that we forget. We will remember but we will also keep a special eye – if someone puts his fingers in the money box then after that we keep him at a distance from the money box obviously. So forgiving and forgetting is not necessarily the same. Also, there may be a point when we forget, it depends on the seriousness of the offence.

Sometimes though, anger is required. Sometimes, it is necessary to send out a signal that from now it is too much. This has to stop. BANG, fist on the table! Everyone needs that also. It is not that anger per se is bad. Those who are envious sometimes deserve anger. Those who are envious of devotees, we need to sometimes check it with anger. That is also there. But Bhismadev is referring to uncontrolled anger. Controlled anger has a place. Srila Prabhupada would also get angry at times but his anger was always related to Krsna and to whatever was favourable to Krsna. When there was neglect, Prabhupada was not tolerating that. He would point it out!

Source:https://www.kksblog.com/2016/10/lessons-in-life-2/