The Padayatra Worldwide Ministry headed by Lokanath Swami started to work on its offering of 50 padayatras on Gaura Purnima 2014. To this day 22 padayatras have taken place, 8 are being planned and 20 remain to be done by ISKCON devotees. 

ISKCON’s Padayatra Ministry is inviting all the devotees worldwide  to participate in this glorification of ISKCON and Srila Prabhupada. This  goal of 50 padayatras  is very feasible, aspadayatra is basically a low-cost  project  of variable duration that can be carried out in  many  different styles - a one man venture  like Bhaktimarga Swami in Canada; a weekendpadayatra as an outing for the congregation around a city or farm; a summer padayatra ;  an  annual walk or a   continental or trans-continental walk. Padayatra can be done in different ways, according to the geography of the specific country, the devotees’ available time, resources and manpower: with or without a bullock cart, with a horse to pull the cart, or just as an extended harinama. Devotees can walk and drive if they live in a country with long empty or desert stretches, or they can walk and fly (or take a boat) if they want to move from island to island.

Another reason why the Padayatra Ministry thinks this goal of 50 padayatras is very feasible is that the Padayatra Ministry already achieved a much larger goal in the past.  At the time of Srila Prabhupada’s Centennial in 1996, there was 105 padayatras, some of which took place during the Padayatra Week  which was scheduled just before World Holy Name Day.  The Silver Jubilee of ISKCON could well be the occasion to revive the Padayatra Week.

Bhaktimarg Swami and his Padayatra team in Mauritius

Unlimited benefits for devotees, temples, congregations, families or yatras 

Here are a few of the numerous benefits of going on padayatra :

- Getting purified and rejuvenated by chanting all day long

- Fulfilling Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s desire to see the holy name resounding in every town and  village of the world

- Engaging the oxen in serving Their Lordships instead of being kept idle on our ISKCON farms and goshalas

- Getting in shape by walking and dancing, and engaging in physical activities (setting  up the padayatra camp, caring for the oxen, etc.)

- Escaping the daily routine, either at home or in the temple

- Seeing the hand of Sri Sri Gaura Nitai in daily happenings and miracles

- Traveling in the company of devotees and a cart carrying  the Deities of Sri Sri Gaura Nitai and Srila Prabhupada

- Trying out new services: cooking, advance party reporting, organising, contact with the media, etc

- Distributing books the easy way, with the harinama party in the background

- Having lots of healthy spiritual fun

ISKCON 50th and the padayatra

The chosen key public message for ISKCON’s 50th anniversary is  - THE JOY OF DEVOTION - is  being perfectly exemplified by padayatris chanting, dancing, traveling  and serving together in great bliss. Padayatra, being always in contact with all sorts of publics, is a program that can easily fulfill all of the ISKCON50’s goals :

- To inspire a better and larger public appreciation for values and contributions of Krishna-consciousness

- To make Srila Prabhupada more known and appreciated

- To unite and inspire devotees in celebration

- To get increased attention: media, government, interfaith communities, beneficiaries, and other stakeholders

- To enhance and improve ISKCON’s reputation

Children in Andra Predesh, India, after their encounter with ISKCON's Padayatra team

What devotees can do to connect their padayatra to the 50th Anniversary

They can…

- Include key ISKCON50 messages in speeches, display the World Exhibit and commemorative merchandise, screen the films, and position logos in artwork.

- Use  the materials that will be provided in coming months by the international team, including - logos, banners and posters ; exhibition material, theming, and media messages ; publication material – ISKCON50 magazine, films, and exhibit.

- Replace the showing of « Your ever well-wisher » with the Acharya Film  being released in 2016. It will draw a lot of attention to Srila Prabhupada’s life and achievements. Another ISKCON movie is also planned and information will become available as it progresses. 

- Show the ‘Joy of Devotion’, a  documentary project which is a visually compelling and educational film that conveys Srila Prabhupada’s key messages, the movement he built and how ISKCON continues to transform the lives of both its members and the people of the world. It will directly cover about 20 interviewees in 14 cities in 9 countries in 6 continents. This film will be perfect to showcase ISKCON throughout the 2016 initiatives.

- Display the exhibit encapsulating all the different aspects of the Krishna-conscious culture. It will be made available to print.

- Make banners (Padayatra celebrates ISKCON 5Oth anniversary), fliers/brochures,  with the help of the material provided by the ISKCON50 team.

- Get VIPs (local councilors, Indian business leaders, cultural ambassadors, favourable celebrities, and heads of relevant organisations) to come to the padayatra  event.

- Disseminate educational materials that will enhance the understanding of ISKCON: flyers, brochures, and especially the ISKCON50 magazine.  The ISKCON50 Magazine is a special commemorative magazine being produced especially for ISKCON50. It will highlight ISKCON’s major achievements over 50 years and also highlight stories and experiences from local centres around the world. Articles included in the magazine are - ‘The History of ISKCON’, ‘The Many Faces of ISKCON’, ‘Yoga and Kirtan’, ‘Science, Art and the Krishnas’, ‘A World of Festivals’.  Make sure you order them timely.

- Increase prasadam distribution on the road and during festivals.

- Increase book distribution (with more Lilamritas on Srila Prabhupada). A target has been set to achieve 12 million books in 2016.  Subscribe public libraries, interested community groups, and educational institutions.

- Distribute the special edition of Back To Godhead for the 50th anniversary. 

- Launch or end  the  padayatra  at one of these commemoration dates (or celebrate at any time of the walk):

     - August 13, 2015 : the day that Srila Prabhupada left for America on the Jaladuta

     - July 13, 2016 : incorporation  of ISKCON

     - Other dates connected to Srila Prabhupada : vyasa-puja day, day he visited a specific temple or yatra, etc

- Inform the media about the 50th anniversary theme of your padayatra and increase the media exposure: where possible appoint a padayatra media coordinator  (could be the country’s communication coordinator). They will receive specific instructions in the form of media messages, statements, and press releases but also broader guidelines from the ISKCON Communications Ministry in order to effectively engage the media. The different media forms to consider are – television news channels, radio shows, newspapers, trends on social media, and other modes through the internet 

- Hold Srila Prabhupada seminars, and sessions for sharing memories and realisations of Prabhupada.

- Hold various seminars for devotees during the walk:

- Besides the outreach efforts, it is equally important to focus inward and cultivate our devotees’ sense of well-being and pride within their communities. During padayatra, you can enhance  devotee care  by replicating initiatives that are taking place within our international units focused on community, such as – Mayapur Congregational Development Ministry, Grihasta Vision Team, ISKCON Youth Ministry, Appreciation Event, etc

Yashoda-dhulal and his friends at the Padayatra across New Zealand

* * * 

For more information, news and resources :

- Contact Gaurangi Dasi, Padayatra Ministry’s coordinator: gaurangi.lok@gmail.com

-  Visit the Padayatra Websit :  www.padayatra.com (Updates on the 50 Padayatras project, inspiration, guidelines, manual online, reports, schedules, contacts,  photo gallery and videos).   

Source...http://iskconnews.org/50-padayatras-for-iskcons-50th-anniversary,5226/

As Facebook CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, continues his relentless campaign for internet.org, a free but limited internet service across the world, those who have seen those days without Internet wonder whether this move will prove to be a boon or curse.

Mark already says it’s a boon, and goes on to quote a few people who earned some money by taking advantage of it. Is that all the Internet will be used for, once free? What about its misuses for criminal activities and out of ignorance? I am not sure how long Facebook will be able to control strict ethics so far the content is concerned and whether all that is coming will be beneficial to humanity as he claims or hopes. Not sure thought if I, and many others agree with his views. Nonetheless, I think his initiative is worth people’s praise, at least as of now.

Not that I don’t use internet and don’t like free internet  but the fact that Internet has done more harm than help, especially in rural areas, and has undoubtedly become a tool for increased crimes, I am not really excited about it. The evidences are plenty, visible to all alert citizens and compelling, although I don’t intend to go into detail here. Rather I would like to know how you think about it.

Facebook’s Internet for All Is a Tough Sell in India

Internet.org’s free services — which include news articles, health and job information and a text-only version of Facebook — are deliberately stripped down to minimize data use and the cost to the phone company. Facebook says the primary goal is to … Facebook’s Internet for All Is a Tough Sell in India

 Facebook expands Internet.org basic services to everyone in India

The company’s chief executive, Mark Zuckerberg, announced that everyone in India can now access health, education, job, and communication services through his company’sInternet.org app — for free. The nationwide coverage is through Internet.org’s … Facebook expands Internet.org basic services to everyone in India

Facebook Expands Its Controversial Internet.org Into Africa

Facebook’s controversial project Internet.org is expanding further in Africa, CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced Tuesday. Said Zuckerberg: “Connecting people across the African continent is critical to our mission. We’re going to keep pushing forward to … Facebook Expands Its Controversial Internet.org Into Africa

Source...http://mayapurvoice.com/svagatam/91791-2/

ISKCON SCOTLAND @ KARUNA BHAVAN are currently looking for volunteers to reside and be trained as brahmacaris (celibate monks). We will provide good brahmacari training, association and a variety of service opportunities. We will also provide accommodation, Prasad and any necessary items such as toiletries, clothing and reasonable travel expenses.

We do not offer financial remuneration or stipend.

All interested applicants should contact Raghunatha Bhatta Das

By Email: gouranga108@googlemail.com

Thank You,
Your Servant
Prabhupada Prana Das

(Karuna Bhavan Temple President)

Source...http://m.dandavats.com/?p=17152

Govinda’s Philadelphia is looking for devotees with a passion for prasadam distribution. Available positions include server and line cook. Server duties include register, light food prep, stocking goods, and maintaining cleanliness. Line cook should have experience working in a kitchen or with an industrial grill in a fast paced environment. Full or part time. Please send inquiries to Haryasva dasa at 1-267-242-4805 or govindasvegetarian@gmail.com. Hare Krishna.

Source...http://m.dandavats.com/?p=17150

Dear Devotees,

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

We are pleased to announce that the book “Free to Preach”, by Prema Padmini dd, is now available for purchase for only $2.00.

It is a touching, inspiring and personal account of a grihastha couple spreading Krishna consciousness in a Muslim country in the Middle East. Described are detailed accounts of their challenges and obstacles as well as their successes in spreading Krsna Consciousness and taking Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Srila Prabhupada’s mission to another level. It is destined to both fascinate minds and touch the hearts of hundreds.

“If all can lend their might to fulfill Lord Caitanya's desires, the world will rapidly change and countless souls will get His causeless mercy. That everyone has the potential to become a preacher is such a dynamic idea that it defies my ability to glorify it enough. Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura stated, prana ache yara sei hetu pracara, "Whoever has spiritual life and enthusiasm preaches." How actively devotees preach the message of Lord Caitanya constitutes the practical index of their enthusiasm and life. May Free to Preach serve as an inspiration and practical guide for existing and potential preachers everywhere.”

H.H. Jayapataka Swami (Foreword, Free to Preach)

A big thank you to all the donors and subscribers for graciously assisting us in getting the book edited, designed and reprinted.

To purchase this book, please visit our website at http://www.iskconcongregation.com/product/free-to-preach/

Ys Manjulali M.S. dd 

This year 5600 people from 30 countries participated in the annual pilgrimage to Vrindavan, India lead by Radhanath Swami. It was held from November 7th to 17th.

Every morning participants went out in groups to visit holy spots of Vrindavan where Sri Krishna had enacted his pastimes 5000 years ago. And every evening they converged at the festival site where Radhanath Swami spoke on the pastimes of Sri Krishna andSri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. This year being the 500th anniversary of Sri Chaitanya’s visit to Vrindavan, Radhanath Swami extensively spoke on the life and teachings of Sri Chaitanya from His biographies, Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita and Sri Chaitanya Bhagavat. The talk was translated into eight languages.

Following in the tradition of Sri Chaitanya, who emphasized sankirtan – the congregational chanting of the holy names of Sri Krishna, every evening after the talk devotees from many nations held hands and danced in kirtan. Devotees from United States and China, from Russia and Ukraine, from Iran and Saudia Arabia called out the holy names in one voice, for the wellbeing of the entire world. The devotional celebrations ended every night with each devotee offering a lamp to Sri Krishna, with heart-felt devotion.

Founder of Bhakti Fest, Sridhar Silberfien, who has been a special guest during the annual pilgrimage for several years, shared his experience: “Whenever I am here, I am left with tears of joy in my eyes. I yearn to be here in Vrindavan with Radhanath Swami.”

Source...http://www.radhanathswami.com/2015/11/global-participation-for-radhanath-swamis-annual-pilgrimage-to-vrindavan/

This e-book explains the Bhagavad-Gita teachings as taught by SrilaPrabhupada and other Vedic saints with 181 Q&A. Very practical and simple to understand book.

View ebook

Bhakti Caitanya Swami: This is the Deity of Lord Gauranga which Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura chanted in front of when he took his great 9 year vow to chant a billion names of the Lord. He chanted 300,000 names a day, about 170 rounds a day, for those 9 years, sitting in front of this Deity. The Deity is now in the Rudradvipa Gaudiya Matha. We were there this morning, and had His darsana!

Source...http://m.dandavats.com/?p=17136

HRD Ministry sets up exclusive panel on Sanskrit promotion

The human Resource Development (HRD) Ministry has constituted a 13-member expert committee exclusively on Sanskrit in its attempt to revive interest in the ancient language.

Headed by N Gopalaswami, the former chief election commissioner (CEC) and now Chancellor of Rashtriya Sanskrit Vidyapeeth in Tirupati, the committee has been asked to recommend measures to integrate the study of the ancient language with other disciplines such as physics, chemistry, mathematics, medical science and law, suggest changes in Sanskrit education in schools and universities and recommend ways to impart Sanskrit education through modern tools. The committee is also tasked with charting out an action plan to develop the language in the next 10 years. – See more at: http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/hrd-ministry-sets-up-exclusive-panel-on-sanskrit-promotion/#sthash.2Pn4fMvG.dpuf ;HRD Ministry sets up exclusive panel on Sanskrit promotion

CM allots 50 acre land to Sanskrit University

Nagpur: The chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced to provide 50 acres of land for expansion of Kavikulguru Kalidas Sanskrit University, Ramtek. The land has been given near Kaladongri, Nagpur. The University had requested the government for allotment of land for expansion purpose.

Fadnavis made the announcement while speaking with the media on the sidelines of Kalidas Mahotsav, which was inaugurated by him. CM allots 50 acre land to Sanskrit University

Smriti Irani Urges Scholars to Improve Standard of Sanskrit Education

New Delhi: Human Resource Development Minister Smriti Irani on Wednesday highlighted the need for reorientation in Sanskrit research, and urged scholars to take the lead in popularising and improving the standard of Sanskrit education. Speaking at the … Smriti Irani Urges Scholars to Improve Standard of Sanskrit Education

Indian philosophy only alternative to rid world from menace of terrorism: DyCM

JAMMU, Nov 19: Deputy Chief Minister, Dr Nirmal Singh today said that the rich Indian philosophy is only relevant thought and concept all over world which can rid the globe from menace of terrorism which it is facing at present.

Dr Singh, who was the chief guest at a two -day seminar on Vedas organized by Rashtriya Sanskrit Sansthan a deemed University at Kot Bhalwal near here today said that Indian (Bharatiya) concept of Sarv Dharam Sambhav is the only solution to the problem of global terrorism.
He made it clear that while making reference to the Indian concept and thought, he does not mean any religion but the philosophy propagated by the people of this land from times immemorial for world peace and human prosperity.. Indian philosophy only alternative to rid world from menace of terrorism: DyCM

Source...http://mayapurvoice.com/svagatam/91774-2/

Bhakti is about detail, little things. Big things are wonderful, but even more wonderful are the little things within the big things. And if you don’t have a big thing, equally wonderful is the little things.

The culture of bhakti is something very deep. In the Bhaktivedanta Hospital the big things are the machines and the surgeries going on. But when someone comes around and offers charnamrta or Jagannath’s chariot comes around, its the small detail that changes people’s heart. Devotees kindness, a few words from the spiritual care department transforms peoples hearts and lives. So much of the love and expression of devotion is in those details. Not just what we speak but how we speak. What little things we do to uplift a conditioned soul.

Srila Prabhupada taught by his example – How much he encouraged and appreciated devotees and at the same time trained devotees. All under the package of his compassion. One time Srila Prabhupada was given a flower by a simple lady. Years later he reminds her of that flower and that love keeps her through thick and thin. Anything that happens to her she can take shelter of that one little gesture. A few words are never forgotten by that person’s heart. Such appreciation and affection for the littlest thing encouraged his devotees. But at the same time his correction of the littlest thing encouraged them to keep the standard.

Devotees need to feel encouraged, appreciated and valued. We need to focus on both appreciation and correction. If one is too heavy you can crush a person’s enthusiasm to serve. So we want to create that type of loving association in sharing Krishna katha and Vaisnava culture. Then the experience is so wonderful that all the anartha’s are tolerable and we carry on pursuing the higher experience. – Radhanath Swami

Source...http://www.radhanathswami.com/2015/11/love-is-in-the-details/

In ISKCON, we have many varieties of devotees from entry level to advanced. While all of them look similar externally, they are not internally. The mood and prayer of a devotee is very difficult to judge by one's external outfit or behavior. To a certain extent, one can judge based on one's words and actions, however, even that can be deceptive. Therefore, we have to be careful as to who is elevated and who is not. To really understand who is elevated requires understanding of lives of great vaishnava devotees, understanding of scriptures and also one should try to aspire for one's self. When we do all of the above, the Lord who is within our heart will help us identify who is pure and not pure. Till then, it is best we engage ourselves as best as we can in a mood humble prayer and service.

There are many great devotees who have shared their inner thoughts through poems and prayers. Below is one such prayer I found by King Kulaśekhara in his Mukunda Mala stotra (5) to be very inspiring. When we constantly meditate on such prayers, our consciousness will distill the dirt in our heart and we will start to see the shining light of Godhead emerge in the horizons of our consciousness.

nāsthā dharme na vasu-nicaye naiva kāmopabhoge
 yad bhāvyaṁ tad bhavatu bhagavan pūrva-karmānurūpam
etat prārthyaṁ mama bahu-mataṁ janma-janmāntare ’pi
 tvat-pādāmbho-ruha-yuga-gatā niścalā bhaktir astu

I have no attraction for performing religious rituals or holding any earthly kingdom. I do not care for sense enjoyments; let them appear and disappear in accordance with my previous deeds. My only desire is to be fixed in devotional service to the lotus feet of the Lord, even though I may continue to take birth here life after life.

Hare Krishna

Source...http://servantoftheservant-ananda.blogspot.in/2015/11/pure-devotion.html

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Source...http://m.dandavats.com/?p=17111

Burglers broke a hole in the roof to get in, then they went through the whole building, smashing up anything of value on their way, and stealing cash and valuables, which were used in the worship there.

Govindas is home to a vegetarian cafe, and is the local Temple for the Hare Krishnas. They are well known and liked in the area, being in this location for the last 15 years. I personally have very fond memories of my time there 15 years ago. The community of devotees is a wonderful, selfless community, and aswell as being generous of heart, also have a great sense of humour and compassion.

It is heartbreaking to think that such a womderful group of individuals, who give so much, have fallen victim to such a heartless, selfish and violent act.

Please show your solidarity and support for this community, by donating according to your ability. I know that they will be so grateful for your support, and our support will also alleviate their shock and disturbance at this time.

All funds will go towards repairing the roof, fixing the broken window used as an escape route, repairing many other items, and replacing the crowns and other jewellery for the Pancha Tattva Deities in the Temple.

Thank you, but more importantly, They will be so grateful, and this will really help restore the communities spirits, aswell as their home.

https://www.gofundme.com/govindasswansea

Hare Krishna

Source...http://david.deltaflow.com/?p=3287

One More Time Around! (9 min video)
Indradyumna Swami: There are devotees of the Lord who circumambulate Govardhana hill two, or even three times, a day. Busy with visiting other holy places in Vrajamandala our group of 350 devotees only managed to do parikrama around Giriraja twice during our stay in Vrindavan. But what a wonderful parikrama the second one was! At the southern tip of Govardhana Hill we performed abhiseka for Giriraja at an ancient temple of Lord Nrsimhadeva. Devotees enjoyed bathing two silas and singing and dancing along with Sri Prahlada prabhu’s kirtan. Jaya Giri-Govardhana! Jaya Srila Prabhupada!
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/VaWZyF

Source...https://www.facebook.com/indradyumna/videos/10205132040083579/