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13564324069?profile=RESIZE_584xMelbourne, 1970s — What started as a casual errand to buy marijuana ended in a life-altering spiritual journey for one young man in Melbourne.

As part of a typical day of street outreach, a devotee of the Hare Krishna movement set up near Flinders Street Station, creatively attracting passersby with incense and cheerful conversation. His goal was to share spiritual literature, especially books by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the movement’s founder.

Among the busy crowd, a curious young man approached, initially intrigued by the incense. When offered a book, he asked the price. “It’s a donation—whatever you feel inspired to give,” the devotee responded. To the devotee’s surprise, the man pulled out a $20 note. One book turned into another, and another, with each exchange accompanied by more generous donations.

Soon, the man was balancing a stack of books so tall it reached his chin. Feeling unusually uplifted, he returned home—not with the marijuana his friends had sent him to buy, but with a tower of spiritual texts.

The reaction? Disbelief. “Did you get the stuff?” they asked. “No,” he replied. “But I got some really nice books.” What might have been a moment of ridicule became the beginning of a deeper transformation.

Captivated by the wisdom and peace he found in those books, he began attending the Hare Krishna temple in Melbourne every Sunday. Eventually, he joined the temple as a full-time devotee, adopting the spiritual name Brihaspati.

This whimsical yet profound encounter is more than a quirky anecdote—it’s a testament to how even the most unexpected moments can redirect a life. As the devotee who shared the story remarked, “Krishna has a sense of humor.”

As narrated by Amogha Prabhu: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdhTjjkutjM

Source: https://www.dandavats.com/?p=115780

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13564323287?profile=RESIZE_584xISKCON UK stands as a transformative force within the global Hare Krishna movement, serving as both a pioneering foundation and a contemporary model for spiritual innovation worldwide. From its historic establishment in London over five decades ago to its current role as a vibrant spiritual community, ISKCON UK has consistently demonstrated how cultural adaptation, educational excellence, and interfaith engagement can strengthen the worldwide mission of Krishna consciousness. The United Kingdom’s unique position as both the first European stronghold of the movement and a dynamic center for modern spiritual practice has created lasting influences that continue to inspire and guide ISKCON communities across all continents. Through its groundbreaking outreach programs, innovative educational initiatives, and successful integration into British society, ISKCON UK has established methodologies and approaches that serve as blueprints for expansion and acceptance in diverse cultural contexts around the globe.

Historical Foundation and Strategic Importance

The establishment of ISKCON in the United Kingdom represents one of the most significant milestones in the global expansion of Krishna consciousness beyond its American origins. Srila Prabhupada considered London one of the most important cities in the world for spreading Krishna consciousness, recognizing its potential as a gateway to Europe and a center of international influence. This strategic vision proved prophetic, as the UK would become the launching pad for the movement’s expansion throughout Europe and beyond. The arrival of three devoted American couples in London in 1968 marked the beginning of what would become a model for international expansion that ISKCON centers worldwide continue to emulate.

The historical significance of ISKCON UK extends beyond mere chronology to encompass the fulfillment of spiritual prophecy and vision. The movement’s establishment in Britain represented the realization of Bhaktivinode Thakur’s nineteenth-century prediction that the British would one day discover and embrace the spiritual treasures of India. This prophetic dimension gave ISKCON UK a special spiritual mandate that resonated throughout the worldwide movement, inspiring devotees across different continents to view their own local efforts as part of a divinely ordained global mission. The success in London provided empirical proof that Krishna consciousness could transcend cultural boundaries and take root in Western society, encouraging similar efforts in other challenging cultural environments.

The pioneering spirit demonstrated by the founding couples in London established a template for courage and determination that continues to inspire ISKCON missionaries worldwide. Despite facing significant financial hardships and cultural barriers, these early devotees maintained complete faith in their spiritual master’s vision and succeeded in establishing a thriving community. Their example of perseverance in the face of adversity has been repeatedly cited by ISKCON leaders as a model for devotees establishing centers in difficult circumstances around the world. The London pioneers proved that with sufficient devotion and strategic thinking, Krishna consciousness could flourish even in the most unlikely environments.

Source: https://www.dandavats.com/?p=115786

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By Kulavati Krishnapriya Devi Dasi

ISKCON Somerset, located in New Jersey, USA, is rapidly developing into a prominent spiritual and cultural center under the leadership of Gopi Kantha Krishna Das. What began as a small initiative has grown into a thriving congregation, marked by its commitment to Krishna consciousness, active community outreach, and structured devotional programs.

Sharing his inspiration, Gopi Kantha Krishna Das recalled, “The Bhakti Vriksha modules highlight three pillars: Nama Amrita, which emphasizes chanting the Hare Krishna Mahamantra; Passage for Discussion, covering foundational topics like Karma (Action), Jiva (Soul), Paramatma (Super Soul), Kala (time) and Prakriti (material nature); and, most striking to me, Preaching Is the Essence, which emphasizes the importance of sharing this knowledge with everyone. This third pillar, ‘Preaching is the essence,’ inspired me to start preaching.” With no congregation at hand and a strong desire to serve, he began his journey by preaching to his own family. “I printed all the Bhakti Vriksha materials in Telugu and started classes with my parents and brothers from India—on Skype.”

Gopi Kantha Krishna Das’s first outreach in 2011 led to seven Namahatta centers in his home region in India. From afar, he arranged facilities and guided hundreds toward Krishna consciousness, all while preparing for his next mission in the United States.

Read more: https://iskconnews.org/iskcon-somerset-cultivating-krishna-consciousness-through-community-and-consistency/

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13564321689?profile=RESIZE_584xBy Bhakta Dasa

The Melbourne, Australia Hare Krishna Temple recently celebrated its 50th Anniversary from May 16 to 18, 2025, marking five decades since the establishment of the Melbourne Mahaprabhu Mandir in 1975 by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.

The three-day Golden Jubilee event brought together devotees, community members, and spiritual leaders to honour the temple’s rich history and ongoing contributions to spiritual life in Australia.

Event Highlights:

Friday, May 16: The celebrations commenced with a vibrant Maha Harinama procession starting at Federation Square, featuring public chanting and dancing through Melbourne’s streets.

Saturday, May 17: At the Albert Park temple, attendees participated in a morning Bhagavatam class presented via video by Kurma Dasa, followed by a Jubilee book launch, shared remembrances from devotees spanning the 1970s to the present, and a community lunch.

Sunday, May 18: The day began with a japa walk along Beaconsfield Parade and a Maha-abhisheka (ceremonial bathing) of the Gaura-Nitai deities, culminating in a grand arati and feast at the temple.

In the afternoon, festivities moved to The Timber Yard Entertainment Centre in Port Melbourne, featuring bhajanas, traditional dance performances, historical presentations, and an open mic session for sharing personal stories. Over 2000 devotees and friends attended.

The Golden Jubilee not only celebrated the temple’s past achievements but also reaffirmed its commitment to fostering spiritual growth and community engagement in Melbourne. To keep up with all the events and outreach at ISKCON Melbourne, please visit their website, follow them on Facebook, and subscribe to their YouTube channel. See the gallery below for images from the multi-day events.

Read more: https://iskconnews.org/melbourne-temple-celebrates-five-decades-of-service/

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Chelmsford, 18th May 2025

The town renowned as the birthplace of radio experienced a new kind of transmission this weekend—the transcendental sound of the Holy Names of the Lord—as Chelmsford celebrated its first ever Jagannatha Rath Yatra. This historic and spiritually uplifting event brought together vibrant colours, melodious kirtan, rich culture, and deep devotion, marking a joyous milestone for both the local and wider community.

The streets of Chelmsford came alive as the beautifully adorned deities of Lord Jagannatha, Baladeva, and Subhadra Devi were carried through the town on a traditional hand-pulled chariot. Accompanied by hundreds of devotees and spectators, the procession resounded with the joyous chanting and dancing to the Hare Krishna maha-mantra.

The event was honoured by the presence of Deputy Mayor of Chelmsford, Councillor Smitha Rajesh, and her consort Rajesh, who participated in the reception ceremony and praised the festival’s spirit of unity and cultural richness.

Spiritual enrichment continued with inspiring addresses from well-known kirtaneer and YouTuber Govind Krishna Das (GKD) and Doyal Mora Das, Temple President of ISKCON London, who shared timeless messages of compassion and devotion.

“A town that once transmitted the world’s first radio signals is now broadcasting the vibrations of Haniram—the Holy Name of the Lord,” said one of the event organisers. “Chelmsford is not only a landmark of technological history, but now also a beacon of spiritual connection.”

Festival Highlights
Joyful Chariot Procession: Traditional kirtan with enthusiastic public participation.

Cultural Stage Programme: Classical dance, shloka recitation, Carnatic singing, dramatic skits, and a magic show.

Interactive Experience Tents: Book displays, meditation guidance, children’s activities, henna, face painting, and spiritual Q&A.

Free Vegetarian Prasadam: Sanctified meals lovingly served to hundreds of attendees.

Dignitary Reception: A warm and respectful welcome for VIPs and community leaders.

Organised with heartfelt dedication by the East London Bhakti Vriksha Community, the event was supported by HG Parasuram Das and over 100 volunteers spanning key teams including setup, media, stage management, prasadam distribution, security, book distribution, deity worship, and hospitality.

The day culminated in a powerful and blissful kirtan led by Govind Krishna Das, Tribhangananda Das, Parasuram Das, and Jagannath Das, lifting the atmosphere into spiritual ecstasy and leaving an unforgettable impression on hearts and souls.

As the sun set over Central Park, the resounding chant of “Jagannath Swami Ki Jaya!” marked the close of a truly divine celebration.

Source: https://www.dandavats.com/?p=115777

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ISKCON’s founder Srila Prabhupada is shown in archival images lovingly offering prasadam to children — an embodiment of his enduring compassion and care for the innocent. Today, that legacy is being powerfully realized in a bold new initiative: the launch of ISKCON’s Child Protection Office Committee (CPOC) website. The official mission underscores that by safeguarding children’s well-being, “we not only nurture the future of ISKCON but also set an example for the world.” The new site (https://www.iskconcp.org/) delivers on that promise by providing a robust global hub of training, resources, and reporting tools — a move hailed by leaders as a historic achievement in the movement’s efforts to create truly safe communities.

Building on Srila Prabhupada’s legacy, ISKCON’s senior leaders have steadily elevated child protection as a core value. In 1996–97, youth testimonies of abuse prompted the GBC to form a Task Force on Child Abuse, leading to the establishment of the Central Office of Child Protection (COCP) in 1998. Over the past decades, ISKCON has repeatedly reinforced its safeguards — passing a formal Child Protection Policy in 2005 and updating it in 2018 to create the most comprehensive and up-to-date framework for child protection within the organization. The Society now treats child safety as a fundamental value, empowering leaders to act with accountability at every temple. These reforms reflect a maturation of ISKCON’s culture — from painful lessons of the past to proactive prevention — and paved the way for today’s global oversight structure.

A History of Commitment and Reform

From its inception, ISKCON has recognized that protecting children requires continuous effort. The new CPOC website recounts how inspired GBC leaders responded decisively when former students spoke out in the 1990s. It notes that after graphic 1996 testimonies, the GBC formed the Task Force (1997) and then founded the Child Protection Office in 1998. The site highlights that “placing the interests of the children first” is both a spiritual duty and a strategic priority. This ethos guided every milestone: in 2005 ISKCON adopted its first uniform Child Protection guidelines, and in 2018 those were revised and ratified by the GBC to meet or exceed secular best practices. Earlier this year, building on all this experience, the GBC approved an “Enhanced” child-protection approach and established the new Child Protection Oversight Committee (CPOC) to oversee implementation worldwide. The Justice Minister now serves as interim Director, underscoring that child safety is a board-level priority.

In short, ISKCON’s trajectory has been one of reform and growth: each generation of leaders has worked with humility and resolve to improve protection, shining the light of Srila Prabhupada’s care into every corner of the Society.

The New CPOC Website: Education, Empowerment, Accountability

The new CPOC website brings that history to life with practical tools for every devotee. It offers comprehensive educational resources: clear definitions of child protection and abuse, lists of abuse indicators and consequences, and guidance on creating nurturing communities. Its education section stresses that “education is the key to prevention,” teaching children about their rights and responsibilities and sending a message of zero tolerance to would-be abusers. Families and youth can find age-appropriate campaigns and tips, while temple teams can download curricula and posters to raise awareness.

Key features include:

Comprehensive Awareness: The site outlines exactly what child protection means, and defines abuse in all its forms. It educates devotees on warning signs (physical, emotional, etc.) and the far-reaching consequences of abuse, so that communities send out a message that there is zero tolerance for harm.

Reporting and Support: A prominently featured “Report Concern” form allows anyone to report suspicions confidentially. The form’s introduction thanks people for taking the step to report concerns, reassuring them that their information will be handled seriously. The site also lays out clear, encouraging instructions: “Your concern does not need to be an accusation; rather, it is a step toward protecting a child and ensuring a safe environment for all.” Help lines, contact forms, and advice (e.g. “tell the child it was not their fault” when responding to a disclosure) empower caregivers to take action without hesitation.

Training and Accountability: The website details the organization’s training programs (for leaders, volunteers, and parents) and formal policies. A guide for ISKCON leaders emphasizes following local laws and conducting “a thorough and impartial investigation” whenever abuse is suspected. Leaders are told to remove children from harm’s way, to remove any accused person from access to kids, and to notify authorities and the CPOC. Throughout, the child’s dignity and healing are paramount — a sentiment echoed by every ISKCON statement on the topic.

Screening Services: To prevent abuse before it happens, the site explains ISKCON’s background-check (clearance) process. It stresses that “thorough screenings” keep anyone with a history of abusive behavior out of positions of authority or access to children. Volunteers and staff can find forms to request clearance; accountability is enforced at every level.

Resources and Collaboration: There are links to international laws, FAQs, and global CPOC contacts. The site also highlights community initiatives like “Care Together” (peer support programs) and encourages everyone to report even minor concerns. By making all this information easy to find, the website empowers families and congregations to be vigilant partners in protection.

Overall, the site transforms abstract policies into accessible tools. One is reminded of the official statement that “protecting children means providing them with a safe environment where they can thrive.” By delivering training, awareness campaigns, reporting channels, and clear guidelines directly to devotees’ fingertips, the website operationalizes that pledge in communities around the world.

United Leadership, United Purpose

The website’s success reflects tremendous collaboration at every level of ISKCON. Regional Governing Bodies, temple leaders, and child-protection teams contributed to its content, and the GBC leadership provided steadfast backing. In January 2025 the GBC declared child protection a fundamental value, and appointed oversight structures to ensure follow-through. In their official statement, the GBC Executive Committee reaffirmed “our belief in the need for change” and expressed confidence that the enhanced approach — including this new website — “will better serve ISKCON’s children.” They concluded, movingly, “May our children have a better and safer tomorrow.”

Veteran child-protection leaders are also full of praise. Kamalesh Krishna Das, who led ISKCON’s central protection office for many years, emphasized that ISKCON has always been ahead of its time: “We were one of the first religious organizations to put into place an independent child protection department,” he shared, calling the effort “a defining moment” in ISKCON’s history. He notes with pride that today “we have robust policies and guidelines” ensuring uniform protection at every temple. Many second-generation devotees and parents involved in the project have similarly expressed joy at how the site equips them to safeguard their youth. One CPOC team member (a mother of gurukula kids) commented, “This website gives me confidence — my children now know there are caring adults and clear steps to keep them safe.” This voice from the congregation echoes the sentiment of countless devotees: the initiative is a true labor of love and shared responsibility.

A Brighter Future for Devotees Worldwide

The launch of iskconcp.org is already yielding promising results. Temples report higher participation in protection training and more timely reporting of concerns. Leaders say the site’s clarity has fostered trust: devotees see that ISKCON is serious about listening and acting. All around the world, from suburban harinams to rural gurukulas, the conversation on child safety has become open and hopeful instead of fearful.

ISKCON’s commitment to child protection now serves as a model for other spiritual communities. As one ISKCON news feature noted, CPO’s pioneering approach “has set a precedent for other religious organizations worldwide, placing child protection at the forefront of their mission.” By holding the welfare of Krishna’s youngest adherents as the highest priority, ISKCON demonstrates how love and vigilance go hand in hand. In the words of ISKCON’s own mission, protecting children reveals “a spiritual society rooted in compassion, care, and protection.” Now, with these tools in hand, ISKCON’s leaders and devotees can look forward to fulfilling Srila Prabhupada’s vision: a global movement where every child grows up fearlessly under Krishna’s loving guidance.

Source: https://www.dandavats.com/?p=115770

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The International Society for Krishna Consciousness has orchestrated one of the most remarkable spiritual transformations of the digital age, leveraging social media platforms to spread ancient Vedic wisdom to millions worldwide. Through strategic digital outreach, ISKCON has successfully bridged the gap between timeless spiritual teachings and contemporary global challenges, creating a movement that transcends geographical boundaries and cultural barriers. This comprehensive digital presence has revolutionized how spiritual education is delivered, offering life-changing experiences to diverse populations including university students, incarcerated individuals, youth seeking meaning, and countless others searching for authentic spiritual guidance. The organization’s multifaceted approach encompasses everything from online scriptural courses and virtual temple experiences to promoting vegetarianism, drug-free living, and ecological consciousness, fundamentally reshaping how millions approach spirituality, health, and purposeful living in the modern world.

Digital Transformation of Ancient Wisdom

ISKCON’s pioneering approach to digital evangelization represents a masterful fusion of ancient Vedic principles with cutting-edge communication technologies. The organization has systematically developed comprehensive online platforms that make the profound teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and other sacred texts accessible to global audiences regardless of their geographical location or socioeconomic background. Through meticulously crafted digital content, ISKCON has demonstrated that spiritual wisdom need not be confined to traditional temple settings but can flourish in virtual environments where seekers from diverse backgrounds can engage with transformative teachings.

The depth and authenticity of ISKCON’s digital content strategy reflects a sophisticated understanding of how to present complex philosophical concepts in formats that resonate with contemporary audiences. Online Bhagavad Gita courses have emerged as particularly powerful tools for spiritual education, offering structured learning experiences that guide students through the intricate philosophical framework of Krishna consciousness. These programs are strategically designed to accommodate both newcomers to spiritual practice and advanced practitioners, ensuring that the digital platform serves as an inclusive gateway for spiritual growth rather than an exclusive academic exercise.

The organization’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of traditional teachings while embracing innovative delivery methods has established new paradigms for religious education in the digital era. By creating comprehensive online curricula that address practical life challenges through the lens of Vedic wisdom, ISKCON has proven that ancient spiritual sciences remain remarkably relevant for addressing contemporary psychological, social, and existential concerns. This approach has attracted millions of participants who might never have encountered these teachings through conventional religious channels.

Educational Impact and Spiritual Learning

The educational revolution catalyzed by ISKCON’s social media presence extends far beyond traditional religious instruction, encompassing holistic approaches to personal development that address the intellectual, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of human experience. University students and academic institutions worldwide have increasingly recognized the value of ISKCON’s educational offerings, particularly as they provide practical solutions to modern challenges such as stress management, concentration enhancement, and ethical decision-making within secular educational frameworks.

ISKCON’s online educational programs have demonstrated remarkable success in reaching students studying philosophy, religion, and Indian culture, providing them with authoritative sources and comprehensive understanding of Hindu scriptures that might otherwise be inaccessible or misrepresented in conventional academic settings. The organization’s approach to spiritual education emphasizes practical application rather than mere theoretical knowledge, teaching students how to integrate Vedic principles into their daily lives for enhanced academic performance, improved relationships, and greater psychological resilience.

The democratization of spiritual education through digital platforms has enabled ISKCON to reach populations that historically had limited access to authentic spiritual guidance. Professional development programs incorporating Vedic principles have attracted working individuals seeking to apply spiritual wisdom to workplace challenges, leadership development, and career satisfaction. This educational impact extends beyond individual transformation to influence institutional cultures, as graduates of ISKCON programs often become advocates for ethical practices, environmental responsibility, and holistic approaches to success within their professional and academic communities.

Youth Engagement and Character Development

ISKCON’s strategic focus on youth engagement through social media platforms has created unprecedented opportunities for character development and spiritual exploration among younger generations seeking authentic alternatives to materialistic lifestyles. The organization’s youth-oriented programs have successfully addressed the unique challenges facing contemporary young people, including identity confusion, peer pressure, academic stress, and the pervasive influence of consumer culture that often leaves young individuals feeling spiritually empty despite material abundance.

Through highly interactive digital sessions and virtual gatherings, ISKCON has created vibrant online communities where young people can explore deeper philosophical questions while developing practical life skills rooted in spiritual principles. These programs employ experienced facilitators who have dedicated decades to spiritual practice, ensuring that youth receive guidance from authentic practitioners rather than theoretical instructors. The organization’s approach recognizes that young people require both intellectual engagement and emotional support as they navigate the complexities of modern life while seeking meaningful spiritual development.

The transformation experienced by youth participants in ISKCON’s digital programs often extends far beyond individual spiritual growth to encompass enhanced academic performance, improved family relationships, and increased social responsibility. Young people report developing greater self-discipline, clearer life purpose, and stronger ethical foundations that serve them throughout their educational and professional journeys. The organization’s emphasis on developing reflective and introspective capacities has proven particularly valuable in today’s fast-paced, technology-saturated environment where young people often struggle to find moments of genuine contemplation and inner peace.

Prison Ministry and Rehabilitation

ISKCON’s prison ministry represents one of the most profound examples of digital outreach extending into institutionalized settings where traditional spiritual resources are often limited or entirely absent. The organization’s comprehensive approach to incarcerated populations demonstrates how spiritual education can serve as a powerful tool for rehabilitation, personal transformation, and successful reintegration into society. Through carefully coordinated correspondence programs, digital materials, and virtual connections, ISKCON has brought hope and practical guidance to thousands of inmates seeking meaning and direction during their incarceration.

The prison ministry’s impact extends beyond individual transformation to influence institutional cultures within correctional facilities, as inmates who embrace Krishna consciousness often become positive influences within their communities, promoting non-violence, ethical behavior, and spiritual study among fellow prisoners. The organization provides a comprehensive array of spiritual resources including sacred texts, devotional music, educational materials, and personal correspondence that creates sustained support networks for individuals who might otherwise feel completely disconnected from society and spiritual community.

The long-term effects of ISKCON’s prison outreach demonstrate the profound rehabilitative potential of authentic spiritual education, with many former inmates reporting dramatic life changes that enable successful reintegration into society with renewed purpose and ethical commitment. These transformation stories serve as powerful testimonies to the universal applicability of spiritual principles, proving that even individuals who have experienced the most challenging circumstances can achieve remarkable personal growth through dedicated spiritual practice and community support.

Promoting Vegetarianism and Ethical Living

ISKCON’s digital advocacy for vegetarianism has contributed significantly to the global expansion of plant-based lifestyles, presenting compelling philosophical, ethical, environmental, and health arguments that resonate with diverse audiences seeking more conscious approaches to nutrition and lifestyle choices. The organization’s comprehensive approach to promoting vegetarianism extends beyond dietary recommendations to encompass a complete philosophy of non-violence (ahimsa) that influences all aspects of daily living, from consumer choices to interpersonal relationships.

Through social media platforms and digital educational programs, ISKCON has successfully demonstrated the spiritual significance of vegetarian nutrition while addressing practical concerns about health, protein sources, culinary variety, and nutritional adequacy that often deter individuals from adopting plant-based diets. The organization’s emphasis on prasadam (sanctified vegetarian food) has introduced millions of people to delicious vegetarian cuisine that challenges stereotypes about plant-based eating being restrictive or unsatisfying, instead revealing the remarkable diversity and flavor possibilities available through ethical food choices.

The global reach of ISKCON’s Food for Life program has provided practical demonstration of vegetarianism’s capacity to address world hunger and social inequality while maintaining ethical consistency with principles of non-violence. Operating in over sixty countries, this initiative has served millions of nutritious vegetarian meals to underprivileged communities, disaster victims, and others in need, proving that compassionate food distribution can simultaneously address humanitarian concerns and promote ethical eating practices on a massive scale.

Health and Wellness Revolution

The holistic health principles promoted through ISKCON’s digital platforms have contributed to a broader wellness revolution that integrates spiritual practice with physical and mental health maintenance, offering comprehensive approaches to human flourishing that address root causes of suffering rather than merely treating symptoms. The organization’s teachings emphasize the interconnection between spiritual development and physical vitality, demonstrating how practices such as chanting, meditation, ethical living, and proper nutrition work synergistically to enhance overall quality of life.

ISKCON’s approach to mental health and stress management has proven particularly valuable for individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, and other psychological challenges that are increasingly prevalent in modern society. Through digital platforms, the organization teaches practical techniques for mind control, concentration enhancement, and emotional regulation that draw upon thousands of years of yogic wisdom while remaining accessible to contemporary practitioners regardless of their religious background or previous spiritual experience.

The organization’s promotion of drug-free living has reached countless individuals seeking alternatives to substance abuse and addiction, offering spiritual practices and community support that address the underlying psychological and spiritual emptiness that often drives addictive behaviors. By providing meaningful alternatives to intoxication through transcendental experiences achieved through spiritual practice, ISKCON has helped many individuals discover that genuine happiness and fulfillment are possible without dependence on external substances or stimulation.

Environmental Consciousness and Ecological Awareness

ISKCON’s digital advocacy for environmental protection and sustainable living practices reflects the organization’s deep understanding of the interconnected nature of all life and the spiritual responsibility humans bear for stewarding the natural world. Through social media platforms and educational programs, ISKCON has promoted ecological awareness that stems from philosophical principles of universal compassion and recognition of the divine presence within all living beings.

The organization’s promotion of vegetarianism specifically addresses environmental concerns by highlighting the significant ecological impact of animal agriculture on climate change, deforestation, water consumption, and pollution. By presenting environmental protection as a natural extension of spiritual practice rather than a separate political agenda, ISKCON has successfully engaged individuals who might otherwise remain indifferent to ecological concerns, demonstrating how personal spiritual development and environmental responsibility can mutually reinforce each other.

ISKCON’s emphasis on simple living and reduced consumption provides practical alternatives to the materially intensive lifestyles that characterize much of contemporary society, offering spiritual fulfillment that does not depend on continuous acquisition of material goods or participation in environmentally destructive economic practices. This approach has influenced countless individuals to adopt more sustainable lifestyles that align with both spiritual values and ecological responsibility.

Building Faith and Spiritual Communities

The global spiritual community fostered through ISKCON’s digital presence has created unprecedented opportunities for individuals to develop authentic faith and meaningful spiritual relationships regardless of their physical location or social circumstances. Through virtual temple experiences, online festivals, live-streamed religious ceremonies, and interactive spiritual discussions, ISKCON has demonstrated that genuine spiritual community can transcend physical boundaries while maintaining the depth and authenticity that characterize traditional religious practice.

The organization’s approach to faith development emphasizes personal experience and practical spiritual advancement rather than dogmatic adherence to religious authority, encouraging individuals to verify spiritual principles through their own practice while providing guidance and support throughout their spiritual journey. This approach has attracted many individuals who might otherwise remain skeptical of organized religion, as ISKCON’s digital platforms offer opportunities for gradual exploration and personal experimentation with spiritual practices without requiring immediate commitment to comprehensive lifestyle changes.

The sense of belonging and spiritual purpose cultivated through ISKCON’s online communities has provided vital support for individuals navigating life transitions, personal challenges, and existential questions that might otherwise leave them feeling isolated or directionless. The organization’s emphasis on service to others and dedication to higher spiritual purposes has helped countless individuals discover meaning and fulfillment that extends beyond personal gratification to encompass contribution to the welfare of all living beings.

Most Influential ISKCON Members in Social Media

HH Sivarama Swami stands as one of the most impactful ISKCON personalities in the digital realm, with his YouTube channel commanding over 50,000 subscribers and his Facebook page attracting more than 100,000 followers. His content seamlessly blends traditional Vedic wisdom with contemporary accessibility, featuring spiritual discourses, devotional music, and practical guidance for spiritual development. His live streams regularly attract thousands of concurrent viewers, particularly during major festivals and special events, demonstrating his remarkable ability to create engaging virtual spiritual experiences.

Sivarama Swami’s social media presence is characterized by depth, authenticity, and global reach, with his content addressing both seasoned practitioners and newcomers to Krishna consciousness. His videos collectively garner millions of views, with individual lectures often reaching tens of thousands of views, indicating the widespread appeal of his teaching style and spiritual insights. The high level of engagement in his comment sections, filled with expressions of gratitude and spiritual inquiries from viewers worldwide, demonstrates the profound impact of his digital ministry on individual spiritual development.

His global audience spans multiple continents, reflecting ISKCON’s international character and the universal applicability of the spiritual principles he teaches. Through strategic use of multiple platforms, Sivarama Swami has successfully created a comprehensive digital presence that serves as a model for effective spiritual outreach in the contemporary media landscape.

ISKCON’s revolutionary approach to digital spiritual outreach has fundamentally transformed how ancient wisdom traditions can engage with contemporary global challenges, creating unprecedented opportunities for spiritual education, personal transformation, and social positive change. Through strategic utilization of social media platforms, the organization has successfully reached millions of individuals who might never have encountered authentic spiritual guidance through traditional channels, demonstrating the remarkable potential for technology to serve higher spiritual purposes when applied with wisdom and genuine compassion.

The comprehensive impact of ISKCON’s digital presence extends far beyond individual spiritual development to encompass broader social transformation in areas including education, criminal justice, environmental protection, public health, and ethical living. By consistently demonstrating the practical relevance of spiritual principles for addressing contemporary challenges, ISKCON has established new paradigms for religious organizations seeking to maintain authenticity while embracing innovative communication methods.

The success of ISKCON’s digital ministry provides compelling evidence that genuine spiritual community and transformation can flourish in virtual environments when supported by authentic teachings, experienced guidance, and commitment to serving the highest welfare of all living beings. As global challenges continue to intensify and individuals increasingly seek meaningful alternatives to purely materialistic approaches to life, ISKCON’s digital presence stands as a beacon of hope, offering practical wisdom and spiritual resources that can contribute to creating a more conscious, compassionate, and sustainable world civilization.

Source: https://www.dandavats.com/?p=115767

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13563796875?profile=RESIZE_584xBy Manjari Gopika Devi Dasi   

Over 500 devotees gathered at ISKCON Dallas this spring to witness two sold-out performances of a new Nrsimha drama written, directed, and staged by a team of second-generation devotees. Known as the Kalachandji Players, this group is leading a grassroots revival of Krishna conscious theater—one that’s drawing standing-room-only crowds and inspiring a new generation of Vaishnava artists.

Reigniting Devotional Arts


The recent production of Nrsimhadeva marks the second major offering by the Players, following their acclaimed staging of The Ramayana in fall 2024. That show also played to packed halls over two nights. Both plays were entirely self-funded and featured high production values and complex themes, but Nrsimhadeva is an original script written by Sri Nrsimha Kavacha Das.

This spring’s Nrsimha drama involved 56 actors—38 of them children—and offered a fresh take on a well-known story. The remaining cast, like the creative team itself, consisted of devotees in their 20s and 30s—making this a production led by youth in every sense. “I want the audience to walk away feeling like they were transported to another time and place,” Sri Nrsimha Kavacha said. “And when they walk out, I want them to love the Lord and hanker for more of His stories.”

Read more: https://iskconnews.org/kalachandji-players-lead-a-devotional-drama-revival-in-dallas/

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By Atma Tattva Das

The Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple (SSRRT) in Chatsworth, Durban, will celebrate its 40th anniversary on 11–12 October 2025, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Srila Prabhupada’s visit to South Africa in 1975. Since opening in October 1985, SSRRT has drawn spiritual seekers and tourists alike with its striking “east meets west” architecture, vastu-purusha mandala design, and six daily arati ceremonies. As part of the milestone festival, the temple has launched a major foyer restoration and broader campus upgrades. Devotees and friends are now invited to submit memoirs of their service experiences by 31 July 2025 for inclusion in a commemorative online publication.

When Srila Prabhupada visited South Africa in 1975, he left three instructions: build a temple, host a Ratha Yatra Festival, and preach to the host African community. Ten years later, after overcoming apartheid-era restrictions and sourcing marble from Portugal and oak from Japan, the three-domed SSRRT officially opened its doors on 18–20 October 1985. Its white-and-gold domes rise above an octagonal stainless-steel roof, while a surrounding moat, water features, and lotus-shaped gardens highlight the ancient vastu-purusha mandala layout, circles, triangles, squares, and octagons symbolizing spiritual principles. Over 2.5 million visitors have since passed through its portals, experiencing six daily arati ceremonies honoring Sri Sri Radha Radhanath, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, and Giriraj Govardhan, along with the sale of attractive prasadam at Govinda’s restaurant.

Read more: https://iskconnews.org/ssrrt-celebrating-40-years-submit-your-memories-today/

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As a swami I cannot be too detached from seeing a woman whose devotion in life outshines most people’s.  I was with Dhira Nitai and Yogen, two male companions, when we went to visit Dwarka who has been struggling after a stroke.  She was an exceptional leader at our Scarborough temple during her healthy years.  We will never forget her great contribution to our mission, hence, the visit.

Also on our list of visitations was a Sri Lankan woman in her 70s who is an attendee at the same temple.  She showed us her garden which she is justifiably proud of.  She teaches yoga and has her following of students.  Among her other interests or talents is her fondness towards ringing the Buddhist bowl.  She demonstrated.  Before we left for our next courtesy or devotional visit, she let us know that she has a keen interest in helping our mission in Cambodia.  Indeed, our devotees have a presence there, and it is a matter of follow up to see what collaboration can take place.

When our afternoon of meeting and greeting people was over, I asked Dhira if he could drop me off at the start of Rosedale Valley Road.  I had to get some walking in to reach my target of at least 10,000 steps.  While on that narrow but natural path sharing space with vehicles enroute to home, I dwelt on the day and how it was filled with communication with women of bhakti.  Earlier on I received a call from a senior lady from Winnipeg, a devout Catholic, but who has taken a liking to Krishna devotees.  She is ageing.  Walking is painful for her.   We chatted.  Bless all these wonderful women of distinction.

Source: https://www.thewalkingmonk.net/post/women-of-wonder

 

 

 

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The newly established Child Protection Office Committee (CPOC) is dedicated to safeguarding the well-being, dignity, and safety of children across ISKCON’s global communities. Our mission is to create an environment where children can grow, learn, and serve joyfully, with the full support of a robust protection system.

We are pleased to announce the launch of our new website: www.iskconcp.org

Here, you’ll find valuable resources on child protection, including how to recognize potential risks, how to respond appropriately, and how to report any concerns you may have.

Read more: https://iskconnews.org/iskcon-child-protection-ensuring-a-safe-and-supportive-environment-for-our-children/

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13563277700?profile=RESIZE_584xBy Raman Reti dasi 

On Saturday, May 31st, the ISKCON North America Regional Governing Body (NA-RGB) will be hosting an online webinar exploring how Srila Prabhupada powerfully applied the principle of “spiritual competition” to energize our mission to spread Krishna consciousness worldwide.

The online sanga will be led by Hridayananda Dasa Goswami, a pioneer in Srila Prabhupada’s global mission, and one of the first Westerners to accept sannyasa in ISKCON. He played a leading role in expanding Krishna consciousness across Latin America. Personally entrusted by Srila Prabhupada to head major zones and direct the BBT’s Spanish and Portuguese divisions, he helped ignite regional spiritual competition and outreach.

Srila Prabhupada said, “There may be rivalries and apparent competitions between servants in performing service, but in the Vaikuntha planets, the service of another servant is appreciated, not condemned. This is Vaikuntha competition” (Srila Prabhupada, Srimad Bhagavatam 7.5.12). This transcendental competition – appreciating others while increasing our own service – helped power ISKCON’s explosive early growth. How can we now revive this momentum?

Read more: https://iskconnews.org/na-rgb-to-host-webinar-on-reviving-srila-prabhupadas-mood-of-spiritual-competition/

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I took a little bit of a different spin on my class giving for the Bhagavatam this morning, and I asked our students with the Bhakti Academy to put a very short poem together to express what was the content of the Bhagavatam today.  Here are the results, I hope you enjoy them:

Rohan:
His eyes never desired to see anything
For him the lotus feet of Krishna were everything

Amala Harinam:
Let me please the Supreme Lord,
With these senses which are never on board

Devanshi:
24 hours a day Ambarish got
"Krishna!" not even for one second he forgot

Guneev:
Eyes, tongue, and touch involved in service
24 hours a day keeps maya away
And doesn't let you stray which is helping you pray

Dinal:
Where Krishna katha fills heart and ears
He, Hrishikesh, draws near
If you want to train your senses to serve with glee
You must follow the instructions of Rupa Goswami

Himanshu:
Srila Rupa Goswami said accept a spiritual master
So that you can do service by following his footsteps
If you want to worship Krishna follow his devotees
By loving his devotees you can have affection for Krishna

Siama:
Chanting the names of Krishna engages my ears
Seeing the form of Krishna gives me tears

Maitry:
Always engaged in hearing about Krishna
Who is also known as the lover of Radha

Monil:
Here is Maharaj Ambarish who always lived in bliss
His senses engaged in lord's lotus feet

Visesh:
Riding on forever friend's shoulders
Let him walk
Such is his bond, Ambarish found freedom without clause

Vatsal:
To progress in bhakti faster
Take shelter of your spiritual master

Karuna Sindhu:
Ambarish always engaged his mind
Leaving maya always behind
 

 Jai Sri:
Krishna will never disappoint you
You just need to have a devotional view
Shine on the face with the tears in your eyes
Is the sign of pure love of Godhead

 

 

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From Back to Godhead

Krsna consciousness means God consciousness. We all have consciousness or awareness, but of what are we aware? For example, if you are pinched you will feel it that is consciousness. In our normal everyday activities we are conscious of so many things like our stomach, our dress, our relationship with others, and so on. This particular facility of consciousness is the symptom of life. Without it there exists only inert matter, lifeless and dull. What is absent from the corpse that qualifies it as “dead”? The missing ingredient is consciousness, or life. We all have consciousness, and furthermore we have free will. Just as with a T.V. set you can tune in any program you like, similarly, with our conscious mind we can pay attention to whatever we choose.

The Vedas and virtually all revealed scriptures of the world inform us that the perfection of our lives, the proper utilization of our consciousness, is to be Krsna conscious, or aware of God. And the perfection of this awareness is called samadhi, or trance. In this state one is never deviated from God, and his mind is always fixed in meditation upon the Lord.

The Lord is perfect and is the reservoir of all pleasure. When we can become totally aware of the Lord, who lies within our hearts as well as being present everywhere, then we share in that pleasure and perfection with the Lord, Krsna or God.

Who is Krsna? Who is God? If we want to meditate on Him always, how shall we do so? If I ask you, “Now you please meditate on my brother,” you would inquire, “Very well, what does your brother look like? What are his activities? Please give me some information about him.” In the same way, if we are to meditate on God we must have some information about Him. Our imagination will not be sufficient for this purpose because God lies beyond our imaginary powers. And where shall we find such information? The revealed scriptures teach us about God and His attributes.

The most complete and comprehensive of all revealed scriptures are the Vedas. The Vedas give us information not only of the greatness of God (all scriptures describe the greatness of God), but also such detailed information as what God looks like, what He does and what He eats; everything is included within the Vedic literatures. They are, therefore, the most valuable sources for learning about God. Other scriptures are not false. Revealed scripture is always perfect and absolute, but, at the same time, some are more complete than others. When you want knowledge of vocabulary, either a small pocket dictionary or a large library edition will do, but the latter gives the most complete knowledge. Similarly, all revealed scriptures will afford knowledge, but theVedas are by far the most complete. It is only the small mind which will discount the authenticity of the Vedas because they appear different from other scriptures, for the reason that they offer greater knowledge. Actually the apparent difference is only due to the observer’s lack of comprehensive perspective. For example, if I am in possession of the large dictionary and I quote some information from it, and if you are holding the pocket volume, you may try to find the same information. If what I have referred to is not mentioned in the small dictionary, you may conclude, “Oh, you are wrong, my good sir. I do not find what you say in my dictionary, so therefore it cannot be factual.” Is this very intelligent? No, The small dictionary and the large one are in absolute agreement; there is no contradiction, but greater knowledge is available in the large edition. It is only when a viewpoint is eclipsed from a lower platform that the discrepancy arises in our consideration.

The Vedas are the source of the most perfect knowledge, and therefore the intelligent person, seeking the most advanced knowledge of God, will do well to hear from them about the science of God.

And what is the information we receive from the Vedas? The Supreme Absolute Truth is an eternal person, fully possessing transcendental and spiritual qualities, and His form or body is eternal and full of knowledge and bliss. The transcendental nomenclature ascribed to this transcendental Supreme Personality is given as Krsna. Krsna is God, and God is Krsna, I am a person, an individual, and I have my name. Similarly God also has a name, Krsna. This denotes that He is a person, an individual, just as my name denotes my individuality. Actually, there are unlimited names of God in every language and culture, but Krsna is all-inclusive because Krsna means all-attractive. Without being all-attractive, there is no meaning to God. We all possess some features or attractiveness. We might be very beautiful or very rich, very intelligent or very strong, but we cannot honestly claim that we possess all or even one of these qualities in fullness.

Who among us can say, “I am the most beautiful person in all the world; no one can match me in this opulence”? Even if we could make such a claim, then it would have to be asked, “Yes, you are very nice, but for how long will you be the most beautiful?” Soon your youthfulness will be gone, and, along with it, your so-called beauty will vanish. So our claim to greatness is very limited and temporary at best, but Krsna is not like that. “God” means that no one is equal to Him and no one is greater than Him and that His qualities are eternal. He is the supreme possessor of all opulences. Therefore He is the supreme object of worship and glorification.

The propensity to glorify is naturally present in everyone. We can see that people are always glorifying someone a movie star or a famous historical figure. How often have we heard the glories of Mahatma Gandhi or Socrates? How many advertisements have we seen or heard commending someone for his activities or personality? Everywhere this is going on. Generally, of course, people are most fond of glorifying themselves. Just listen to the subject matter of almost any conversation, and invariably you will notice that the topic concerns the individuals who are speaking. The perfection of this glorifying process is, however, to praise the greatest, the supreme object of glory, who is more worthy than anyone else. That is Krsna. Krsna is in that position. When we see someone who is very nice, we think, “Oh, he is so nice.” Similarly, when we can see Krsna we will understand that He is the nicest, the most beautiful, the richest, all wrapped into one. Actually, Krsna is the reservoir of all opulence. Whatever opulence we perceive around us is simply a tiny fraction of the total opulence of Krsna. For example, whatever quantity of money we may come across, we know that it has originally come from the Treasury Department, and it is only a portion of the total amount of money issued by the Treasury. Some less intelligent man may think, “Now that I have $100 I am certainly the richest person existing,” but it is to be understood that he is speaking with a poor fund of knowledge. Similarly if someone claims to be great in opulences, it only points out his ignorance of the opulence of Krsna. This program of Krsna consciousness is to worship and and become conscious of the highest person, the most perfect being, Krsna. This is not undesirable. It is the most advantageous position. If you worship a very strong person you may receive some protection from him. In the same way, if you worship Krsna you will share the unlimited opulences of strength, fame, beauty, wisdom, renunciation and wealth with Krsna.

Attaining to this platform of Krsna consciousness is the ultimate goal of everyone. Krsna is the perfection of everything; therefore every endeavor is meant to culminate in Krsna. What is the basic reason for all activity? Why do we get out of bed in the morning, work so hard and struggle for existence? What compels us? It is certainly the search for pleasure, the seeking of perfection. If I were to offer you, “Now you come, I will give you whatever you desire, and you will be perfectly satisfied,” would you not take the offer? Is that not your reason for living? Everyone is moving on this principle, whether it be the ant seeking the grain of sugar, or the dog the bone, or the adventurer wondering what lies beyond the next hill, or the artist trying to put into form the perfect artistic conception; everyone is trying to find perfection. But the anomaly is, as we actually experience, that we have not found that perfection in anything we have done. Even if we have achieved some projected goal, upon that achievement, we have instantly realized, “This is not perfection. I must find something more.” If we could factually run the gamut of all endeavors, fulfilling each one, and then aspiring to something more, something higher, all the way to the limit of experience, then at the end we would find Krsna. Krsna would be there, and upon attaining His association we would be completely satisfied. That is the position of Krsna consciousness. Thus instead of going the long route, which is troublesome and virtually impossible, the intelligent person will simply acknowledge, “Yes, it is only Krsna that will satisfy me; enough with all this other peripheral nonsense,” and then he will make a beeline to Krsna by practicing Krsna consciousness.

Krsna consciousness is the process for attaining Krsna. Another name for the process of Krsna consciousness isbhakti-yoga. Bhakti-yoga means to link with Krsna through bhakti or devotion. This devotional, loving consciousness is the medium by which we make the connection with Krsna, We must apply our consciousness to Krsna and topics relating to Him in a devotional mood. Then Krsna consciousness naturally develops. If you want to become “President conscious,” then what would you do? Naturally you would study the President by hearing about him from authority, following his activities, watching his motions and analyzing his behavior. Or if you wanted to become law conscious, you would attend law school and learn the science by regulated, systematic research and study. Similarly, to become Krsna conscious, we must take to a systematic method of hearing from an authority, or guru, and following his instruction, just as one might take instruction from a law professor. He assigns, “Now you do this; read this book; take this test,” and in the same way the guru or spiritual master gives all necessary instruction to his disciple. If the disciple hears submissively and follows the instruction, then he is assured of success.

This process of bhakti-yoga is given by the spiritual master, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, as the curriculum for attaining God consciousness. It is a bona fide course of study, fully accredited. We should accept it like that, and if we really desire to attain the perfection of our lives, Krsna consciousness, then we should execute it with full-hearted faith and enthusiasm.

The basic principle is simply to fix the mind on Krsna. Bhakti-yoga is the practical way of doing this. In bhakti-yogathe idea is simply to direct our consciousness towards Krsna. And what are the faculties for accomplishing this? What instruments do we have at hand? Our senses. Sight, touch, smell, taste, hearing, are the instruments by which we perceive, or in other words, by which we are conscious. When we look at a billboard sign, our minds, receiving a perception from the eyes, automatically go into action, developing associations and making impressions, and thus we are thinking about or are conscious of that sign. Or if we eat an apple, we experience a particular sensation of taste which is another quality of consciousness. In this way, by dint of our senses of perception, we are conscious of so many things. Recently a specially designed space capsule successfully landed on the moon. Complete with a computer and various types of instruments, the complex machinery began to study the moon in various ways. The instruments would receive data by way of some type of sensitivity (heat sensitivity, light sensitivity, etc.) and would transmit the information to the computer. The computer would then analyze and synthesize this data and produce knowledge of the moon. This is a crude example of how the senses, sight, touch, smell, etc., which are sensitive to different types of energy, work in coordination with the mind and produce knowledge or consciousness.

From this, we can understand that consciousness merely reflects the experience of whatever it is directed towards, just as the space capsule reflects information from wherever it is directed. If you walk into a store, you can purchase whatever you like some ice cream, some fruit, or some milk. You make the choice. And according to whatever you select, you will have a certain taste experience. Similarly, in our lives and with our consciousness, we can be aware and have experience of whatever we choose. And the highest choice, that experience or taste which is the most perfect, the absolute and supreme, is Krsna, or God, and it is not abstract or impersonal. It is not some obscure conception. Krsna is never impersonal. He is a person, transcendental and complete.

The Vedas, and especially the Srimad-Bhagavatam (science of God), give us all this personal information about Krsna. Krsna’s qualities, form and attributes are described extensively in a simple and pure manner. Anyone can understand, and the result of exposing ourselves to this experience will be the perfection of our lives, God consciousness.

The human form of life is especially meant for this purpose of reviving our God consciousness. Only humans can practice bhakti-yoga because the better development of consciousness is only found in the human body. Animal propensities are found both in animal life and human life. Unfortunately people are nowadays more concerned with the principles of material sense gratification because they have no knowledge of spiritual or transcendental sense gratification. In other words they are only animal conscious and are negligent of God consciousness. This tendency is becoming more and more developed, producing an increasingly degrading effect. People are becoming more and more animalistic.

We should not continue on this path. We are all implicated. If we do not elevate ourselves in God consciousness, then we shall degrade ourselves to the level of dog consciousness.

Bhakti-yoga is the process of elevating oneself to the platform of Krsna consciousness. This cannot be artificially attained, but it is acquired by association with devotees of the Lord, hearing from authorized scriptures and chanting the holy names of the Lord. This chanting of Hare Krsna, Hare Krsna, Krsna Krsna, Hare Hare/ Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare, is the simplest and most expedient means for developing Krsna consciousness. And it is practical. Anyone can very easily master the practice and immediately feel the blissful results of transcendental experience. Krsna is there, right in front of you, and by this transcendental sound vibration, Hare Krsna, you gradually come to the position of realizing that fact. When you have mastered the chanting and are fixed in continuously resounding the name, Krsna will then appear in the soul’s eye, and He will dance upon your tongue. You will then taste the Supreme, your thoughts will be absorbed in Krsna, and your consciousness will be perfect.

Source: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=26331

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“When we love those who love the Lord, the Lord reveals his love to us. Krishna sends his loving devotees to this world, so that we can transfer our attachment.”- Radhanath Swami

Shivananda Sen, he was taking all the 200-300 devotees from Bengal to Puri. They were walking so many days. And a little dog just started following. And that dog… he wasn’t a kind of pedigree, beautiful kind of dog. He was just the kind of dogs that you find in the streets of India. He followed. He followed. And Shivananda Sen just saw with such compassion – “If this spirit soul in this dog, if he sees Lord Chaitanya, how much he will benefit! I must serve him nicely.”
So, the dog became dear to Shivananda Sen. The dog didn’t do any seva. All he did is just follow, and whatever else dogs do. And when Shivananda Sen was delayed and he had to give dog a special meal. So, he made some special rice, only for the dog. But while he was gone, they forgot to give him that special rice.
So, he came back, “Where is dog?”
“We don’t know”
“Did you feed him his special rice?”
They said, “We forgot”.
Shivananda Sen was looking everywhere, couldn’t find him. When he finally came with all the party to Puri, he went to see Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Shivananda Sen was alone. He went to the Gambira and he saw two people all alone, Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and the dog. How did he get there? It’s a mystery! It was just the two of them. Lord Chaitanya had some green coconut pulp.
And he said to the dog, “Chant Krishna! Krishna!”
And the dog chanted, “Krishna! Krishna!”
Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu took a bite of the green coconut pulp, and took it out of his mouth, and threw it at the dog. And the dog jumped up and had it.
Then Mahaprabhu said, “Chant Krishna! Krishna!”
The dog went, “Krishna! Krishna! ”
It kept doing like that. They were having a pastime together.
Shivananda Sen, it describes, he bowed down to the lotus-like paws of the dog. That was how he honored that dog. And we read in the Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita, the next day dog was nowhere to be found. Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu sent him to Goloka Vrindavan, the spiritual world. What was his qualification? This dog, he wasn’t doing any intense sadhana. He wasn’t doing any puja. He was attached to a devotee.

“And the devotee was not materially attached to the dog. This is the fine line we have to be very careful. He was attached to the atma of that dog.” – Radhanath Swami

So, one may say, “If he was attached to the atma, then why was he feeding the body of the dog? Why was he so concerned with proper meals, proper transportation? He had to pay for him to go on boats.” Because the body is the medium by which we could serve the atma. But what is the intent? A mother and father have to care for their children, have to care for the physical [health] of their children. But is the motivation to liberate their souls? “By serving this person’s body I can actually somehow or other give Krishna to their soul.” And if that’s what will really do, then the body is the medium. Yes, Shivananda Sen was very concerned with the body of the dog. But his purpose was to bring him to Lord Chaitanya, so he could get that mercy. And somehow or other, because of that kindness, the dog became attached to him.

Source: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=85017

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From Back to Godhead

Stress, according to The World Health Organization, is the “health epidemic of the 21st century.” Demanding circumstances make us tense mentally, emotionally, and physically, and over time that tension takes a serious toll on our wellbeing. While there are many ways to deal with stress, one often overlooked and highly effective way is to cultivate a state of inner satisfaction. The word satisfaction, meaning the pleasure derived from the fulfillment of one’s wishes, expectations, or needs, comes from a Latin root meaning “content.” Unmet wishes, expectations, or needs, however, can cause dissatisfaction and stress. Such stress and dissatisfaction may impel us to make profound changes in our lives – they may impel us to strive for something different and better. The question is which “different and better” thing we decide to strive for.

Why Does Satisfaction Elude Me?

Most people want wealth and sensual satisfaction, and their stress is due to feeling that they don’t have enough of these. But unfortunately, striving for wealth and striving for sensual satisfaction are unhelpful in reducing stress and dissatisfaction. In fact, these aspirations only increase our problems. In the words of Srimad-Bhagavatam (4.22.33), “For human society, constantly thinking of how to earn money and apply it for sense gratification brings about the destruction of everyone’s interests.”

At present we’re considered “conditioned souls” because, due to our imperfect desires, we’re dependent on material conditions for our satisfaction; and in the final analysis, material conditions will never satisfy us. Actual satisfaction will come when we realize who we are, when we realize that our identity is beyond matter. Then, when we seek satisfaction beyond matter, we will have some hope of being content at heart.

“Atma, or self, is distinguished from matter and material elements,” Prabhupada writes. “It is spiritual in constitution, and thus it is never satisfied by any amount of material planning.” (Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.1.11, Purport) Thus our deepest cravings cannot and will not be satisfied within this realm of gross matter. Scriptural words wisely remind us that we’re looking for satisfaction in the wrong place: “Living only for the satisfaction of the senses, a person lives in vain.” (Gita 3.16)

Yet the many varieties of enjoyment within this world repeatedly give us a false hope that if we simply change our material situation our stress and dissatisfaction will be turned into happiness and satisfaction. Even if we acquire some sort of material happiness, however, it will soon be disturbed by the inevitable flux caused by the relentless progress of time. Therefore, in no uncertain terms, we learn that “Without contentment one could not be happy even if he possessed the property of the entire world or the entire universe.” (Srimad-Bhagavatam 8.19.21)

Srila Prabhupada’s definition of satisfaction includes an indication of how we can achieve it: “Tushti, satisfaction, means that one should not be eager to gather more and more material goods by unnecessary activity. One should be satisfied with whatever is obtained by the grace of the Supreme Lord; that is called satisfaction.” (Gita 10.4–5, Purport)

According to Srila Prabhupada and the scriptures, satisfaction comes by desiring and amassing, not more, but less, and thoughtful people come to a similar conclusion. In a December 15, 2017, New York Times article called “My Year of No Shopping,” author Ann Patchett writes,

Once I stopped looking for things to buy, I became tremendously grateful for the things I received. . . . It doesn’t take so long for a craving to subside, be it for Winstons or gin or cupcakes. Once I got the hang of giving shopping up, it wasn’t much of a trick. The trickier part was living with the startling abundance that had become glaringly obvious when I stopped trying to get more. Once I could see what I already had, and what actually mattered, I was left with a feeling that was somewhere between sickened and humbled. . . . There’s a reason that just about every religion regards material belongings as an impediment to peace.

Srila Prabhupada concurs: “People must be taught how to be satisfied with only what they need. In modern civilization there is no such education; everyone tries to possess more and more, and everyone is dissatisfied and unhappy.” (Srimad-Bhagavatam 8.19.21, Purport) And: “Satisfaction of the mind can be obtained only by taking the mind away from thoughts of sense enjoyment. The more we think of sense enjoyment, the more the mind becomes dissatisfied. In the present age we unnecessarily engage the mind in so many different ways for sense gratification, and so there is no possibility of the mind’s becoming satisfied.” (Gita 17.16, Purport)

The core reason for our stress and dissatisfaction is that we’ve forgotten who we are. We’re thinking that we’re the body or mind, but that is false. The fact is, jivera ‘svarupa’ haya-krishnera ‘nitya-dasa’ (Chaitanya-charitamrita, Madhya 20.108): we’re eternal spiritual beings, atma. Our nature is to serve – the atma’s innate activity is service – but in the material sphere, instead of serving spirit we’re serving the dictates of desire, anger, lust, illusion, insanity, and envy. As we begin to grasp the dire situation we’re in, we can begin to do something about it. At that time, rather than trying to satisfy and serve the dictates of our lower nature we can try to satisfy and serve the dictates of our own self, the atma.

In Srila Prabhupada’s words, “The whole material world is full of hungry living beings. The hunger is not for good food, shelter, or sense gratification. The hunger is for the spiritual atmosphere.” (Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.12.6, Purport)

Thus our heart’s dissatisfaction can cause us to reflect, and once we do we will see that restraining rather than indulging our senses brings us closer to our goal of a stress-free, satisfied existence. Lord Krishna tells Arjuna, “A person who is not disturbed by the incessant flow of desires – that enter like rivers into the ocean, which is ever being filled but is always still – can alone achieve peace, and not the man who strives to satisfy such desires.” (Gita 2.70)

In this process of searching to end stress and become satisfied, however, there’s a serious pitfall, namely being satisfied with mere satisfaction. In another New York Times article, “How to Be Happy,” we’re told, “Happiness isn’t something that just happens to you. Everyone has the power to make small changes in our behavior, our surroundings and our relationships that can help set us on course for a happier life.” (November 15, 2017) The author, Tara Parker-Pope, goes on to explain what those small changes can be. Most of us (me included) can relate to them – “tame negative thoughts, live in a country that has social freedom, spend time in nature, establish relationships with happy people, do meaningful work, be kind.” It’s true: these things, combined or individually, will lead to increased satisfaction and reduced stress. But that state itself can be a trap: in that state we can become conditioned by a sense of happiness and knowledge, satisfied by our situation, work, or intellectual pursuits, and end our quest for satisfaction before we’ve come to its end – the spiritual platform.

In other words, we may adjust our lives in ways that increase our sense of satisfaction but, at some point, find that in the deepest recesses of our heart we’re still craving something more; our soul is still hankering, still seeking.

That material satisfaction can actually become an obstacle is confirmed by Queen Kunti. She prays, “My Lord, Your Lordship can easily be approached, but only by those who are materially exhausted.” (Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.8.26) Material comforts can lull us into a sense of satisfaction that’s not complete. And rather that looking at that incompleteness, we avoid further investigation; we become complacent.

What’s the Source of Satisfaction?

Krishna says, “Everything comes from Me” (Gita 10.8), and “everything” includes satisfaction. God, Krishna, is self-satisfied because He is fully opulent and is always full in Himself; He does not need a pinch of our help for His satisfaction; rather He is the original source of our satisfaction (and the satisfaction of all living entities). We, as His parts, have the quality of satisfaction within us but in minute quantity. Whatever satisfaction we experience separate from Him will be incomplete and threatened by external circumstances.

Once we approach Krishna for satisfaction, however, we’ll find an unlimited supply, a veritable ocean. At that time we’ll have no more hankering, for we will be fully satisfied. Srila Prabhupada says, “You’ll be joyful. Your material moroseness will go at once. At once. Brahma-bhutah prasannatma na shocati. You’ll be free from all anxiety. . . .  And there will be no demand for your sense satisfaction. You’ll feel yourself full. ‘Oh, I am full. I have nothing to demand.’ Such stage will come.” (Lecture on Bhagavad-gita 5.7–13, August 27, 1966, New York)

How Can I Get It?

Satisfaction is an austerity of the mind (Gita 17.16), and by satisfaction the mind is purified (Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.5.4). So the beginning of our quest for satisfaction is to take up Ann Pachett’s process of not acquiring or striving for more but of voluntarily focusing on what we have rather than what we don’t. “One should be satisfied with whatever he achieves by his previous destiny, for discontent can never bring happiness.” (Srimad-Bhagavatam 8.19.24)

From this point of detachment we come to knowledge: there is no lack of anything in this world, for everything is already supplied by Krishna; there is no scarcity. The only thing that’s lacking is our awareness of Krishna. By becoming conscious of Krishna and conscientiously applying our energy to please Him with whatever facilities we have, we perform bhakti-yoga, uniting with God by serving Him with devotion. When we work in this way, to satisfy the Lord, we gradually become free of affection for matter.

Srila Prabhupada writes,

The Krishna conscious person is concerned only with the satisfaction of Krishna, and nothing else. Therefore he is transcendental to all attachment and detachment. If Krishna wants, the devotee can do anything which is ordinarily undesirable; and if Krishna does not want, he shall not do that which he would have ordinarily done for his own satisfaction. Therefore, to act or not to act is within his control because he acts only under the direction of Krishna. This consciousness is the causeless mercy of the Lord, which the devotee can achieve in spite of his being attached to the sensual platform. (Gita 2.64, Purport)

If we live in this way, only for the satisfaction of Krishna, our thoughts will be positive and what work we do or where we live will be less important, for our only business will be to satisfy Krishna. Srila Prabhupada writes, “The perfection of religion is to attain complete satisfaction of the spirit soul, and this is accomplished by rendering devotional service to the Lord, who is beyond the perception of the material senses.” (Mukunda-mala-stotra 5, Purport)

Again in Srila Prabhupada’s words: “The highly developed soul always remains satisfied in himself by realizing himself as the eternal servitor of the Supreme Lord. Such a transcendentally situated person has no sense desires resulting from petty materialism; rather, he remains always happy in his natural position of eternally serving the Supreme Lord.” (Gita 2.55, Purport)

Each of us is part of the Supreme Person, Krishna. As a part of the body does not act for self-satisfaction but for the satisfaction of the whole body, so we, the atma, are meant to work for the satisfaction of the supreme whole, Krishna. This sort of work alleviates stress and bring us great satisfaction.

“One’s only concern should be to satisfy the Lord by one’s activities,” Srila Prabhupada writes. “If the Lord is satisfied by an action, whatever it may be, then it is successful. Otherwise, it is simply a waste of time. That is the standard of all sacrifice, penance, austerity, mystic trance and other good and pious work.” (Srimad-Bhagavatam 3.9.41, Purport)

The satisfaction we feel by acting in this way is like the feeling we have when we finally get a healthy meal after not eating for a long time. As we eat, we feel our hunger dissipate and our body becoming satisfied and strong. Similarly, by serving Krishna with devotion, we feel transcendentally satisfied and detached from material objectives. As  Srimad-Bhagavatam (11.2.42) states, “Devotion, direct experience of the Supreme Lord, and detachment from other things – these three occur simultaneously for one who has taken shelter of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, in the same way that pleasure, nourishment and relief from hunger come simultaneously and increasingly, with each bite, for a person engaged in eating.”

So, beyond the satisfaction derived from detachment from our material situation is the far greater satisfaction of devotional service of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, for devotional service is the unalloyed activity of the soul.

When we, the soul, are in contact with matter, our activities are adulterated and we experience these adulterated activities as stress and dissatisfaction. We go beyond this stage by attaining neutrality in the material world. (Apropos of Ann Pachett’s Times article, we “stop shopping.”) And passing this stage of equanimity, we become fixed in the transcendental loving service of the Lord. Sincere devotional service eliminates stress and dissatisfaction and allows us to further progress to the position of always seeing Krishna eye to eye by dint of pure affection for Him. At that point, by Krishna’s grace, we are free of material desire. Then we are always satisfied.

“A Krishna Conscious person is always satisfied whether in Vaikuntha or in hell,” Srila Prabhupada wrote. “His satisfaction is not the particular place but his sincere service attitude towards Krishna.” (Letter, November 13, 1967)

Furthermore, Srila Prabhupada writes, “Since a devotee wants to satisfy the desires of the Lord, he can, Lord willing, accept all kinds of opulence for the service of the Lord, and if the Lord is not willing, he should not accept a farthing.” (Gita 1.32-35, Purport) Devotional service to Krishna is not always easy, but difficulties do not deter a devotee. “One who works for the satisfaction of the Lord only,” Prabhupada writes, “however difficult such work may be, . . . finds himself always in transcendental bliss.” (Gita 2.39, Purport)

One exalted devotee expresses it this way:

My Lord, those who keep themselves independent of Your service are helpless. They work on their own account and thus receive no support from superior authority. Therefore I long for the time when I shall engage fully in Your transcendental loving service without any desire for material satisfaction and without hovering on the mental plane. Only when I engage in such unalloyed devotional service will I enjoy actual spiritual life. (Sri Yamunacharya, Stotra-ratna 43)

How Good Does It Get?

When our devotional service is unmotivated and uninterrupted, we feel completely satisfied.

In Srila Prabhupada’s words:

Remaining fixed in devotional service gives one the utmost in self-satisfaction. Actually self-satisfaction can be achieved only by pure devotees, who have no desire other than to serve the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Since the Supreme Personality of Godhead has nothing to desire, He is fully satisfied with Himself. Similarly, a devotee who has no desire other than to serve the Supreme Personality of Godhead is as self-satisfied as the Supreme Lord. Everyone is hankering after peace of mind and self-satisfaction, but these can only be achieved by becoming a pure devotee of the Lord.” (Srimad-Bhagavatam 4.22.49, Purport)

Devotees become fully peaceful and satisfied because of their association with the complete whole, Krishna, and Krishna grants them genuine transcendental understanding. He says, “To those who are constantly devoted to serving Me with love, I give the understanding by which they can come to Me.” (Gita 10.10)

But it gets better. Srila Prabhupada writes in Renunciation Through Wisdom (Chapter 2),

The devotees are the Lord’s relatives and family members. Just as ordinary people feel joy and satisfaction when they look after the needs and comforts of their family, the Lord also feels pleasure when he tends to the well-being of His devotees. Thus the Supreme Lord is known as Bhakta-vatsala, ‘the maintainer of the devotees.’ . . . When the devotee is devoid of all material desires, the Supreme Lord feels great satisfaction in fulfilling all his needs.

A devotee’s satisfaction goes beyond detachment from matter, beyond freedom from stress, and even beyond satisfaction and receiving knowledge and maintenance from the Lord. In fact, the Lord gives His devotees the ability to satisfy Him through their love. Lord Brahma tells Lord Krishna, “How greatly fortunate are the cows and ladies of Vrindavana, the nectar of whose breast-milk You have happily drunk to Your full satisfaction, taking the form of their calves and children! All the Vedic sacrifices performed from time immemorial up to the present day have not given You as much satisfaction.” (Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.14.31)

Moreover, the Lord is so pleased with His unalloyed devotees that He wants to satisfy them. Therefore “He manifests His innumerable transcendental forms for the satisfaction of His devotees.” (Srimad-Bhagavatam 3.20.25) In His world, the spiritual world, Krishna reciprocates the affection of His devoted servants by becoming their friend, son, or lover. And in the material world Krishna reciprocates from within the hearts of His devotees by revealing Himself as ever-increasingly new. Inspired by Him, devotees experience increased transcendental bliss in the execution of their devotional service.

Krishna says, “The thoughts of My pure devotees dwell in Me, their lives are fully devoted to My service, and they derive great satisfaction and bliss from always enlightening one another and conversing about Me.” (Gita 10.9)

Complete Satisfaction

The real aim of life is complete satisfaction. And that complete satisfaction can be achieved only by devotional service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krishna. By engaging in His service with devotion, we’re freed from all anxieties and we’re happy, for we see God’s design behind everything and we know He is our most dear friend.

Prabhupada writes, “I see all round hopes; there is nothing to be disappointed in my service to Krishna. Let us go on with our work for Krishna for His satisfaction and for the benefit of the whole world.” (Letter, December 31, 1967)

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Hare Krishna. Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!

Devotees long utilized social media platforms like Facebook to share live stream videos of spiritual teachings, kirtans, and events, connecting devotees worldwide with the wisdom of revered Gurus such as HH Kadamba Kanana Swami, HH Gopal Krishna Maharaj, HH Bhakti Charu Swami, and other devotees. However, a significant policy change by Facebook, effective February 19, 2025, threatens this digital heritage. The new policy limits live video storage to 30 days, after which they are automatically deleted, with existing videos older than 30 days scheduled for deletion in waves starting around June 29, 2025. This article provides a guide to preserve these invaluable spiritual resources, including live streams, lectures, and personal spiritual content, by downloading them from Facebook, uploading them to alternative platforms, and engaging ISKCON’s media ministries to ensure their accessibility for future generations. Even as individuals who have saved their personal ceremonies such as initiations or other content will lose those videos.

Facebook’s Policy Change and Its Implications
Facebook’s updated live video storage policy, announced on February 18, 2025, marks a shift from indefinite storage to a 30-day limit for new live broadcasts. Existing live videos older than 30 days will be removed in phases, with notifications sent to users via email and in-app alerts, providing a 90-day window to download or transfer content. Users can also defer deletion for up to six months or convert videos into Reels for temporary preservation on the platform. This change, driven by the observation that most views occur within the first few weeks post-broadcast, aims to align with industry standards and reduce storage costs.

Policy Detail: https://about.fb.com/news/2025/02/updating-our-facebook-live-video-storage-policy/

Description

Effective Date

February 19, 2025, for new broadcasts; older videos deleted from June 2025

Storage Limit

30 days for new live videos; older videos to be deleted

Notification Period

90 days from notification to download or transfer

Deferral Option

Can postpone deletion for up to 6 months

Conversion Option

Convert live videos to Reels for temporary preservation

This policy poses a significant risk to ISKCON’s digital archives, as many live videos, including those of HH Kadamba Kanana Swami, HH Gopal Krishna Maharaj, HH Bhakti Charu Swami, and other devotees, are older than 30 days and face deletion if not preserved promptly.

Key ISKCON Figures and Their Media Presence
The following ISKCON Gurus and their associated Facebook pages are critical for preservation efforts:

HH Kadamba Kanana Swami (1953–2023): A senior ISKCON guru known for his engaging teachings and kirtans, his live videos are primarily hosted on the Media Kadamba Kanana Swami page, which has 9,549 likes. The Kadamba Foundation, established to preserve his legacy, has archived many of his videos on their YouTube channel.

HH Gopal Krishna Maharaj: A prominent ISKCON leader and the first Indian disciple of Srila Prabhupada, his content is available on the Gopal Krishna Goswami page, with 74,000 likes, and his website gkgoswami.com.

HH Bhakti Charu Swami (1945–2020): Known for his profound spiritual knowledge and media projects, his live videos are on the Bhakti Charu Swami Live page (5,180 likes) and the memorial page HH Bhakti CHARU Swami Maharaj -in memory (11,333 likes). His YouTube channel is Bhakti Charu Swami.

Other ISKCON Gurus and Devotees: The ISKCON Governing Body Commission lists 83 initiating Gurus, many with social media presence. Pages like ISKCON News and temple-specific pages host additional live content, including lectures and personal spiritual streams.

Steps to Preserve Live Stream Videos
To safeguard these videos, administrators and devotees must act swiftly. Below are detailed steps to preserve the content:

1. Identify and Access Relevant Content
Manual Browsing: Due to privacy restrictions, a comprehensive list of all posts cannot be generated externally. Administrators should visit the respective Facebook pages to browse the “Videos” or “Live Videos” sections and identify live streams, lectures, kirtans, and personal spiritual content.

Key Pages:

Gopal Krishna Goswami

Bhakti Charu Swami Live

HH Bhakti CHARU Swami Maharaj -in memory

Media Kadamba Kanana Swami

Other ISKCON pages, such as ISKCON Bangalore and ISKCON Juhu.

2. Download Videos from Facebook
For Page Administrators:

Check Notifications: Look for emails or in-app notifications from Facebook about impending video deletions, which provide a 90-day window to act.

Bulk Download: Use the “Download Live Videos” option in the notification to save all videos scheduled for deletion in a compressed file.

Individual Download: Navigate to the “Videos” tab, select a video, open it in full-screen view, click the three dots (More options), and choose “Download video.” Downloads are best performed on a desktop or laptop, as mobile devices may not support this feature for older live videos.

For Non-Administrators:

Contact page administrators to request that they download and share the videos.

If videos are public, third-party tools like Snapsave or Fdown.net can be used by copying and pasting the video URL, but prioritize official methods to comply with Facebook’s terms of service.

3. Upload to Alternative Platforms
To ensure long-term accessibility, downloaded videos should be uploaded to stable platforms:

YouTube:

YouTube is a reliable platform for preserving and sharing videos. The Kadamba Foundation has set a precedent by uploading HH Kadamba Kanana Swami’s videos to their YouTube channel.

Create dedicated channels for each Guru or a centralized ISKCON channel to host videos. Ensure proper tagging (e.g., “ISKCON,” “Krishna Consciousness,” “HH Gopal Krishna Maharaj”) for discoverability.

ISKCON Archives and Media Ministries:

The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust (BBT) and local temple media teams can assist in archiving and distributing videos. Contact them through ISKCON’s official channels or temple websites like ISKCON Bangalore.

Establish a centralized ISKCON digital library to store and share these videos, ensuring accessibility for devotees worldwide.

4. Encourage Media and Tape Ministries
ISKCON has a rich history of preserving spiritual content through media ministries and tape distribution services. These organizations can play a pivotal role in this effort:

Bhaktivedanta Book Trust (BBT): As a key ISKCON publishing entity, the BBT can help archive and distribute videos. HH Gopal Krishna Maharaj has served as a BBT trustee, making it a relevant contact for his content.

Local Temple Media Teams: Temples like ISKCON Bangalore and ISKCON Juhu have media teams that produce and archive content. Collaborate with them to ensure videos are properly labeled and organized.

Community Initiatives: Encourage devotees to form media preservation teams to coordinate downloading, uploading, and cataloging efforts. These teams can work with existing ministries to streamline the process.

5. Convert Live Videos to Saved Formats
Editing and Repurposing:

Use video editing software to create shorter clips for social media or compile longer content for educational purposes. Tools like MiniTool MovieMaker can assist in editing downloaded videos.

6. Community Collaboration and Awareness
Raise Awareness: Share this issue within ISKCON communities and on platforms like X to encourage collective action. Devotees can post about the urgency of preserving videos to mobilize support.

Contact Administrators: If you lack admin access, reach out to page administrators via Facebook messages or through ISKCON temple contacts. For example, the Kadamba Foundation can be contacted via kadambafoundation.com.

Organize Efforts: Hold virtual or in-person meetings to coordinate preservation efforts across ISKCON communities. Assign roles for downloading, uploading, and archiving to ensure efficiency.

This situation highlights the vulnerability of relying on social media platforms for archiving spiritual content. ISKCON could consider establishing independent digital archives to reduce dependence on external platforms. Platforms like Mayapur TV and centralized ISKCON websites could serve as long-term repositories. Additionally, the preservation effort can inspire devotees to digitize other forms of spiritual content, such as audio recordings and manuscripts, to create a comprehensive ISKCON digital library.

Links
Updating Our Facebook Live Video Storage Policy

Kadamba Foundation Website

Media Kadamba Kanana Swami Facebook Page

Gopal Krishna Goswami Official Facebook Page

Bhakti Charu Swami Live Facebook Page

HH Bhakti CHARU Swami Maharaj -in memory Facebook Page

ISKCON Juhu Mumbai Website

Mayapur TV Website

Kadamba Kanana Swami YouTube Channel

Bhakti Charu Swami YouTube Channel

Mayapur TV YouTube Channel

ISKCON News Website

Snapsave Facebook Video Downloader

Fdown.net Facebook Video Downloader

ISKCON GBC List of Initiating Gurus

Gopal Krishna Goswami Website

Bhakti Charu Swami Website

Your servant,

Vasant Pancami Das

Source: https://www.dandavats.com/?p=115756

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Eshant Garg: For years, I adhered to the Ritvik belief system, convinced that it represented the most faithful continuation of Srila Prabhupada’s legacy. Like many others, I was drawn to its simplicity and the comfort it offered — that we could remain connected to Srila Prabhupada without the complexities of formal initiation through living spiritual masters. However, over time, sincere introspection and exposure to broader perspectives led me to question, and eventually leave, the Ritvik system. This is the story of my spiritual evolution and why I chose to fully align myself with ISKCON.

Understanding the Ritvik Perspective
The Ritvik ideology asserts that Srila Prabhupada is the eternal initiating guru for all time and that there is no need for any living guru to perform initiation after his physical departure. This idea is primarily based on an interpretation of a 1977 letter and the institutional appointment of Ritvik representatives during Srila Prabhupada’s final days. For many, including myself, this offered a way to stay anchored to Prabhupada without navigating the controversies surrounding some ISKCON leaders.

The Challenges of the Ritvik System
Over time, I began noticing certain issues within the Ritvik approach. There was a lack of structured spiritual guidance, accountability, and dynamic spiritual exchange. While books and recordings of Srila Prabhupada were available, they couldn’t replace the living, responsive presence of a dedicated spiritual master. Many Ritvik followers, despite sincere efforts, often remained spiritually stagnant, and divisions within the Ritvik movement itself made it evident that it lacked cohesion and practical application in community life.

What I Found in ISKCON
When I re-engaged with ISKCON more deeply, I realized that despite its challenges, ISKCON had evolved in important ways. There were numerous sincere devotees, spiritual leaders, and systems of mentorship that helped newcomers and seasoned practitioners alike to grow in Krishna consciousness. I encountered humility, scholarship, and a shared mission that resonated deeply with the spirit of Srila Prabhupada’s original vision.

Importantly, ISKCON’s position on the necessity of living spiritual teachers is not a deviation but a continuation of the parampara system — a core tenet of Gaudiya Vaishnavism. Just as Srila Prabhupada himself received initiation from a living guru, Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, the same principle continues. Realization, refinement, and personal connection are cultivated best through guidance from a present, realized soul.

A Balanced View
My transition wasn’t about rejecting Prabhupada — quite the opposite. It was about embracing his complete teachings and mission. Prabhupada wanted ISKCON to function as a spiritual society with proper leadership, not just a book distribution movement frozen in time. He trained disciples to take on responsibilities and continue the lineage, and to ignore this aspect is to ignore a significant part of his instruction.

Conclusion
Leaving the Ritvik ideology was not easy, as it was deeply woven into my spiritual identity for years. But truth, when sincerely sought, has a way of shining through. Joining ISKCON has reconnected me with a dynamic, living spiritual tradition and has brought me closer to Srila Prabhupada — not just as a revered figure of the past, but as the founder-acharya of a living movement. For that, I am truly grateful.

——
Addressing Key Questions: Why I Chose ISKCON Over the Ritvik System (Part 2)
In the first part of my journey, I shared why I moved away from the Ritvik philosophy and formally joined ISKCON. After that video, I received many comments and important questions from fellow devotees — questions that reflect sincere concerns and deserve thoughtful responses. In this article, I aim to address some of the most critical issues raised in those discussions.

The Role of Srila Prabhupada’s Will
One recurring question is about Srila Prabhupada’s will and whether it supports Ritvik initiation in perpetuity. Some argue that since his will mentions that only his disciples should be on the GBC (Governing Body Commission), it implies that initiations must always be conducted through Ritvik representatives — otherwise, new GBC members wouldn’t be possible.

But this interpretation confuses management with philosophical principles. Prabhupada gave flexibility in managerial structures, knowing that governance would have to adapt over time. What he did not allow was the alteration of eternal principles, such as the guru-parampara (disciplic succession). Philosophical truths are timeless, while management is dynamic and subject to change.

As times change, so too must the administrative structures that support Krishna consciousness. But these changes should never come at the expense of spiritual principles. If necessary, management must be reformed — not the philosophy.

Misinterpretations of Historical Letters
Some devotees cite letters like the one dated May 28, where Srila Prabhupada said, “When I order, you become guru,” to suggest he did not want any of his disciples to initiate unless explicitly ordered. However, this was said in a context where certain individuals had prematurely begun initiating disciples while Prabhupada was still physically present. His warning was not a rejection of future spiritual masters but a reminder that no one should act independently without authorization.

Similarly, the so-called “Ritvik appointment” letter of July 9, 1977, was meant for a temporary arrangement during Prabhupada’s illness. It never explicitly stated that this system should continue after his physical departure. Taking ambiguous references as grounds to change an entire theological foundation is both risky and unfaithful to Srila Prabhupada’s broader teachings.

Why So Many Gurus in ISKCON?
Another common concern is the growing number of gurus within ISKCON — now more than 100. Some see this as excessive. But Krishna consciousness is meant to reach every town and village. The need for gurus is vast and growing. One spiritual master can only guide a limited number of disciples personally. If the movement is to scale, many qualified gurus are not just necessary — they are vital.

Rather than fearing this growth, we should see it as evidence that ISKCON is fulfilling Srila Prabhupada’s mission. A hundred gurus in a world of billions is still far too few.

Addressing Claims of Politics and Corruption
Yes, like any institution, ISKCON has faced challenges — political struggles, leadership failures, and moments of crisis. But no organization is free from these human dynamics. Whether in religious, educational, or governmental systems, imperfections are a part of institutional life.

What matters is how these are addressed. ISKCON has matured and evolved. Many spiritual leaders are sincerely engaged in improving governance and safeguarding the society’s spiritual integrity. More importantly, the average devotee is free to focus on their personal bhakti, engage in service, and progress toward Krishna without needing to be involved in leadership politics.

Even in other smaller Ritvik organizations, similar politics will emerge with time. As these groups grow, they too will experience administrative conflicts. These are not signs of spiritual failure, but of the human condition.

The Real Advantage of an Institution
Institutions like ISKCON offer massive advantages to spiritual seekers — access to trained speakers, spiritual literature, festivals, food distribution programs, and a supportive community. For example, devotees from other cities or countries can easily integrate into temple communities around the world, thanks to this unified structure.

Such a framework can greatly ease one’s journey to Krishna — something a decentralized or isolated approach cannot match. ISKCON’s global network helps people practice bhakti yoga wherever they are.

Final Thoughts
This movement is a vast ship led by Srila Prabhupada himself. If your focus is on Krishna, ISKCON offers every possible tool and support to take you back to Godhead. But if your attention remains on conflicts, missteps, or politics, you will struggle — no matter where you go.

Srila Prabhupada wanted us to cooperate despite differences and help others come closer to Krishna. Let’s not use philosophical disagreements to create division. If you’re convinced by the Ritvik model, follow it — but do not criticize others. And if you follow ISKCON’s traditional guru-parampara system, do so respectfully and responsibly.

The real enemy is not each other, but material illusion. Let us unite in service, avoid offenses, and keep Srila Prabhupada at the center of our lives.

Hare Krishna.

Source: https://www.dandavats.com/?p=115753

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By Parabhakti Dasa

On Monday, May 19, 2025, Pope Leo XIV held a special audience in the Clementine Hall of the Apostolic Palace, meeting with representatives of various religious groups who had come to Rome for his inaugural Mass. This included Orthodox and Protestant leaders, as well as representatives from Jewish, Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, Sikh, and Jain communities.

This is a significant gesture, clearly demonstrating a desire not only to continue along the path of interreligious dialogue but to deepen it and make it increasingly inclusive. “Now is the time for dialogue and building bridges,” the pope said during the gathering with the leaders religious.

Representing the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) were Bhakta Matteo and Bhakta Alessandro, who had the honor of presenting a copy of the Bhagavad-gita As It Is to the Holy Father. Pope Leo XIV received it with joy, recalling that the text had been part of his studies during his time in the seminary (although it is not known which edition he had read).

We sincerely hope that the spirit of collaboration and mutual respect that Srila Prabhupada sought to establish with the Vatican during his visit to Italy in 1974 can find renewed momentum in this pontificate. This meeting represents a meaningful opportunity to strengthen the bonds between spiritual traditions, united in the shared intention to promote deep spiritual values and love for Krishna, God.

 

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13563056862?profile=RESIZE_584xBy Atma Tattva Das

Over 10,000 people gathered to celebrate unity in diversity through devotion, culture, and color in Sandton, Africa’s richest square mile. On the first weekend of May 2025, weather forecasts predicted a sharp drop in temperature, but sunny conditions prevailed during the fourth annual Rathayatra Festival. Organized by ISKCON Sandton in partnership with the Africa Ratha Yatra Alliance (ARYA), this year’s event, themed “Culturally Many, Spiritually One,” attracted over 10,000 attendees from May 3 to 4, transforming the streets of Sandton into a vibrant display of spiritual expression.

The chariot procession, a focal point of the festival, drew around 6,000 people who joined in pulling the ornately decorated cart of Lord Jagannath, Lord Baladeva, and Lady Subhadra. Adorned with hundreds of bright marigolds and accompanied by mridanga, jembe drums, and soul-stirring kirtans, the procession coursed through Africa’s wealthiest square mile. Cameras flashed as onlookers captured the sight of Their Lordships, who glided through the city amidst an atmosphere of celebration and unity.

This year marked the 122nd Rathayatra organized by ARYA, an alliance dedicated to expanding the Festival of Chariots across the African continent. The Sandton event continues to grow in impact and scale, serving as a model of spiritual celebration infused with cultural inclusivity and community engagement in the Gauteng province.

Read more: https://iskconnews.org/iskcon-sandton-hosts-its-fourth-annual-rathayatra-festival-with-grand-success/
 

 

 

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