ISKCON Desire Tree's Posts (19448)
Sort by
“If you really want to please me, please distribute books, distribute books, distribute books.”
Srila Prabhupada
On this website you will find book distribution stories, quotes, videos, audio, picture gallery, images, e-Books, etc. In short, you will learn of the importance Srila Prabhupada placed on book distribution for our ISKCON. Srila Prabhupada's books have changed hundreds of thousands of lives in a very positive way. The mission of this website is to increase the number of people who have been blessed by reading A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada's transcendental words of wisdom.
Vijaya Das,
Minister - ISKCON Book Distribution
"More than anything I want that my students should distribute my books and literatures profusely all over the world"
(Srila Prabhupada Letter to Sridhama dasa, November 17th, 1971)
For more quotes on book distribution go to
http://iskconbookdistribution.com/book-distribution-quotes-from-srila-prabhupada-letters/
http://iskconbookdistribution.com/book-distribution-wallpapers-05
Book Distribution Around the World
For more videos go to
http://iskconbookdistribution.com/videos/
Please subscribe to our website for getting latest updates in your inbox.
http://iskconbookdistribution.com/subscribe/
The dome of the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium as it stands in December 2013
Construction Company Gammon India and chairman Ambarisa Das (Alfred B. Ford) have addressed concerns raised by a former employee about the structural stability of the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium in Mayapur, India.
A former TOVP site supervisor had come across several internal operational emails between Gammon and the engineers of the TOVP, ISKCON’s currently under-construction headquarters. In the emails, Gammon asked routine questions about the stability of the temple’s dome and whether the superstructure was engineered to bear its weight, which were answered by the TOVP engineers.
“One of these emails was taken by our former employee to some of the authorities in Mumbai,” says Ambarisa. “This person said there was a big problem, and got everybody whipped up into a frenzy. It was blown out of proportion.”
Concerns about the TOVP’s stability spread throughout ISKCON, and became a hot issue.
“The concerns weren’t based on any fact, or anything that was wrong with the architectural integrity of the building,” Ambarisa explains. “The emails were real. But they were just emails in the process of executing a very large and complicated building. So of course questions are going to be raised. They were honestly questioning, is this building engineered to bear the weight of this dome? As anybody would who’s designing anything. And it was looked into at the time, and it was decided that there was not a problem.”
Still, taking devotees’ concerns seriously, Ambarisa and the GBC held a meeting on the topic at the Srila Prabhupada Conference Hall in Juhu, Mumbai on October 19th.
Also in attendance were the former employee of the TOVP and other concerned members of ISKCON, the TOVP’s Managing Director Sadbhuja Das and its head architect Vilasini Dasi, Structural Consultant B.B. Chaudhuri, and several representatives of Gammon India.
At the meeting, it was reiterated that the concerns regarding the dome and superstructure’s stability stemmed from work-in-progress letters from Gammon.
Gammon representatives agreed that these letters should be considered redundant, as appropriate actions had already been taken to satisfy their routine queries, and there was no truth to the accusations made.
Computer generated image of the ToVP as it would look from the other side of the Ganges.
TOVP engineers and Gammon then agreed to decide on a construction methodology for pouring the dome that would both suit the timeline and budget of the Gammon contract, and increase stability during the construction period.
To alleviate devotees’ concerns, the meeting notes pointed out that both Structural Consultant B.B. Chaudhuri and construction company Gammon are highly reputable in India, and that their work complies with ISO (International Organization for Standardization) standards.
Finally, engineers and Gammon represenatives agreed that Hansa Rupa Das would be assigned to bring in an outside auditor to conduct a third party audit of the building.
“We had a very open, frank discussion about everything,” says Ambarisa. “Afterwards I talked to the devotee [who had raised the concerns] and said, ‘Are you satisfied now?’ And he said, ‘Yes, I’m very satisfied.’”
TOVP architects, Gammon representatives, and B.B. Chaudhuri followed up with a second meeting on October 25th in Delhi.
This time, they discussed how casting of the first ring of the dome would add maximum strength at the base and prove the safety of the dome during construction. They also decided to use tie bolts and adopt the jump form of shuttering, while Gammon stated that it would present the TOVP with a detailed proposal for concrete pouring.
Finally, on December 3rd, Gammon India released a letter “to issue clarification arising due to the rumors and speculation regarding the stability of the dome.”
Although the letter is rather technical in nature, it does clearly state that Gammon’s questions about the stability of the TOVP dome were answered, and that the company was sufficiently satisfied with the answers to continue with the construction:
“Please let it be known to all concerned that we, Gammon India Ltd, are associated with the construction of the dome as a contractor and the letters/correspondence spilled out in various media were correspondence regarding the detailed discussions our engineers had with the structural designers M/S Planning & Design Bureau. These discussions were specific to the construction methodology and stability of the structure during the various stages of construction. We have now got the needful clarification regarding the same and the construction activities of the dome are in progress.”
Commenting on the rumors that had been spread, Ambarisa acknowledged that such accusations were “a challenge,” but said, “we don’t get discouraged, we just keep moving forward one foot at a time.”
Moreover, he said that the vast majority of devotees around the world showed strong support for the project and how quickly it was being realized.
Sure enough, construction on the temple continues to progress steadily. Bengali-style roofs are currently being constructed to cover the eight stairwell towers surrounding the temple, two on each of its four sides. The superstructure of the planetarium itself is being completed, and research for its exhibits is moving along quickly with Planetarium Director Jayapataka Swami and Exhibits Coordinator Hari Sauri Das.
Meanwhile, Managing Director Sadbhuja Das has just purchased beautiful blue marble from Bolivia for the 140-foot-long- and 35-foot-high “Deity House.” Constructed inside the greater temple building, this will house three different altars: one for the Gaudiya Vaishnava line of teachers and disciples, ranging from the Six Goswamis of the 15th century all the way to Srila Prabhupada; one for the Pancha-tattva of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and his associates; and one for Sri-Sri Radha-Madhava and their eight principal gopi servants.
Although the temple’s grand opening had been tentatively set for ISKCON’s 50th anniversary in 2016, Ambarisa says that to raise enough funds and get the construction just right, 2020 is a more realistic date.
He does, however, hope that there may be a special ceremony in 2016 to install the Garuda Stambha or inaugurate the Deity House.
“Things are moving forward, and we remain extremely positive,” he says. “Because we’re convinced that this is what Srila Prabhupada wanted.”
“Try to increase the book distribution as much as possible. This is our business to put our books in the hands of intelligent men of America. If they read even one page, the influence will be so great.”
(Srila Prabhupada Letter to Jagadisa dasa, 2nd February 1975)
For more quotes on book distribution go to
For different sizes of above wallpapers please go to
Opening the Inner Eye
For more videos go to
Please subscribe to our website for getting latest updates in your inbox.
http://iskconbookdistribution.com/subscribe/
By now many of you have heard of the sad, untimely passing of Keshava Dasi, wife and dear friend of Shaunaka Rishi Prabhu.
Keshava struggled with poor health for many years and passed away in the early hours of 19 December.
Keshava was the warmest of friends and with her sharp intellect it is no platitude to say that she was one of the forces behind the founding of the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies, of which Shaunaka is the Director.
As a devotee of Krishna, Keshava was a wonder. The deeper her illness, the more she reached for Krishna's shelter. Those who had the honour to spend time with her were all inspired by her deep devotion to her guru, to her beloved Radha Madhava in Belfast, to Lord Caitanya, and to Prabhupada.
Please do remember her with this, a favourite verse of hers from the Bhagavad Gita (10.09) :
"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."
If you would like to offer condolences to Shaunaka you can do so at shaunaka@ochs.org.uk
Funeral arrangements are in process, meanwhile there will be a memorial kirtan at Bhaktivedanta Manor this evening (Sunday) form 7-9.30 pm
“I was very pleased to see how you are getting top-ranking men to read my books. That is real preaching. If all the government officers at least purchase some of our books, it will be a great credit so do it very nicely.”
(Srila Prabhupada Letter to Tejyas dasa, 18th June 1976)
For more quotes on book distribution go to
For different sizes of above wallpapers please go to
Young girls distributing Vedic literature
For more videos go to
Please subscribe to our website for getting latest updates in your inbox.
http://iskconbookdistribution.com/subscribe/
Read more about Sri Devananda Pandita on www.harekrishnacalendar.com
Read more about Mohini Ekadashi on www.harekrishnacalendar.com
Listen English and Hindi Audio for Saphala Ekadashi on www.iskcondesiretree.net
View recipes for Ekadasi on www.totalveg.com
English Saphala Ekadashi Mahatmya without Music
Hindi Saphala Ekadashi Mahatmya without Music
English Narration: Miss Disha
Hindi Narration: Madhava Das (BVKS)
Recording, Editing, Music mixing : Madhava Das (BVKS) at Gopal's Studio (ISKCON Desire Tree)
"Practically, books are the basis of our movement. Without our books, our preaching will have no effect..."
(Srila Prabhupada Letter to Mandali Bhadra, January 20th, 1972)
(Srila Prabhupada Letter to Mandali Bhadra, January 20th, 1972)
For more quotes on book distribution go to
For different sizes of above wallpapers please go to
Akruranatha Prabhu – Leave Everyone with Good Impression
For more videos go to
Please subscribe to our website for getting latest updates in your inbox.
http://iskconbookdistribution.com/subscribe/
http://iskconbookdistribution.com/subscribe/
Dina Sharana Devi Dasi has been a member of ISKCON’s Governing Body Commission (GBC) since 2010. She joined ISKCON in 1974, and was initiated by Srila Prabhupada the same year at the Schloss Rettershof Castle temple, the headquarters of ISKCON Germany at the time. Her focus is on training and engaging qualified persons to assist in communications, succession as well as education and training. She is also committed to increasing BBT book distribution.
A valuable member of the Strategic Planning Initiatives, she is a part of the Succession Committee. Hear what HG Dina Sharana Devi has to say about the vision and goals of the Succession Committee.
View Video :
The President of Mauritius H.E Mr. Kailash Purryag along with his wife Mrs. Aneetah Purryag, Dr. Arye Kumar Jagessur (Mauritian ambassador to India) and the officials from the embassy visited ISKCON Delhi yesterday evening. A brief report recounting their visit is presented below.
The President who was on a personal visit to India was greeted at the temple entrance by Raghava Pandit Prabhu (who had arranged and coordinated this visit) and other senior devotees of the temple. All the while a team of 20 devotees kept performing sankirtan in the background. Then a svasti vachan was performed to invoke auspiciousness for the President's visit.
Mr. Purryag (photographed in white kurta) and the guests were first taken to the temple hall for the darsan of Their Lordships wherein they were greeted by HH Gopal Krishna Maharaja and participated in the entire Gaura Arati after which the President along with his wife offered an arati to Their Lordships Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi.
Gopal Krishna Maharaj then took the dignitaries on a tour of the temple hall which houses several beautiful paintings of Krishna lila painted by the Russian and Uzbek devotees. The President was impressed by the paintings and acknowledged the global presence and the "great activities" performed by ISKCON.
Mr. Purryag and the delegation were then taken to Vedic Expo which began with a tour of the 'Bhagavad Gita Experience' followed by the Mahabharat exhibit and the Ramayana art gallery. In the art gallery the President was particularly impressed and requested to stay for a while to 'relish the paintings of Lord Rama'.
The guests were then brought to the meeting room for honoring dinner prasadam. Over the dinner, Gopal Krishna Maharaja and Mr. Purryag engaged in a lively conversation with the President remembering his visit to ISKCON Juhu few years ago.
Maharaja narrated Srila Prabhupada's first visit to Mauritius and the comment of how Mauritian people are naturally pious and can become the first Krishna consciousness country. Maharaja later on described the activities of ISKCON around the world and elucidated on how all the problems of the world can be solved by providing spiritual knowledge to the society as was done in the time of Maharaja Yudhistira. Mr. Purryag acknowledged this "as a fact".
He also spoke about the programs that ISKCON Delhi has been carrying on in schools and showed the spiritual books that the resident devotees had prepared for children. Mrs. Aneetah Purryag (wife of the President) liked the entire concept and requested a copy of the book.
Later on HH Kesava Bharati Maharaja came in and joined the table. He invited Mr. Purryag and his wife to visit Govardan on their next visit. Gopal Krishna Maharaja offered to make all the arrangements for a Govardan parikrama by Mr. Purryag and his wife. They were happy to hear this and assured that they will try to do it on their next visit to India.
During the entire visit of the dignitaries, they were accompanied and served by a group of Mauritian devotees along with few CIS devotees who stay at ISKCON Delhi. Mr. Purryag joked with the Mauritian devotees and enjoyed their presence calling the temple as 'mini Mauritius'.
After the dinner as the dignitaries prepared to leave, Gopal Krishna Maharaja presented Mr. Purryag a BBT Darsan Book and a photograph of Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi which they very much appreciated. He along with his wife bowed down requesting the blessings of Maharaja and to pray for them.
Mr. Purryag and the Mauritian Ambassador promised to visit again and invited Gopal Krishna Maharaja to Mauritius.
View more Photos : Click here
"It is nectar to my ears to hear the list of schools which are taking our standing (book) order."
(Srila Prabhupada Letter to Amogha dasa, 6th June 1976)
(Srila Prabhupada Letter to Amogha dasa, 6th June 1976)
For more quotes on book distribution go to
For different sizes of above wallpapers please go to
Twenty Four Hours
For more videos go to
Please subscribe to our website for getting latest updates in your inbox.
http://iskconbookdistribution.com/subscribe/
"I am very glad to hear how the book distribution is increasing more and more. This is our greatest weapon. The more the books are distributed, the more the ignorance of the age of Kali will be smashed."
(Srila Prabhupada Letter to Balavanta, 23rd November 1976)
(Srila Prabhupada Letter to Balavanta, 23rd November 1976)
For more quotes on book distribution go to
For different sizes of above wallpapers please go to
Give us our Books
For more videos go to
Please subscribe to our website for getting latest updates in your inbox.
http://iskconbookdistribution.com/subscribe/
Photo Albums of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura : www.iskcondesiretree.net
Audio Lectures on Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura : audio.iskcondesiretree.info
Video Lectures on Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura : www.iskcondesiretree.net
Comics on Short Stories by Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura : You Tube - ISKCON Desire Tree Channel
Blogs on Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura : www.iskcondesiretree.net
Read More about Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura on www.gaudiyahistory.com
Bhajans by Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura on www.vaishnavsongs.com
Posters of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura on www.images.iskcondesiretree.info
Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura - Upadesha Upakhyana comics.iskcondesiretree.info
"If we simply speak nicely to a person and try sincerely to get him to take the book he'll take it. Why should we adopt unfair means? We should not do anything which will create a bad impression or make us unpopular. People are after these books, they are hankering for them. We don't need to take cheating method."
(Srila Prabhupada Letter to Ramesvara, 1st January 1975)
(Srila Prabhupada Letter to Ramesvara, 1st January 1975)
For more quotes on book distribution go to
For different sizes of above wallpapers please go to
Loving Memory of HG Rasika Shekhar Prabhu
For more videos go to
Please subscribe to our website for getting latest updates in your inbox.
http://iskconbookdistribution.com/subscribe/
Harvard scientists have proof that yoga, meditation work. Scientists are getting close to proving what yogis have held to be true for centuries — yoga and meditation can ward off stress and disease.
John Denninger, a psychiatrist at Harvard Medical School, is leading a five-year study on how the ancient practices affect genes and brain activity in the chronically stressed. His latest work follows a study he and others published earlier this year showing how so-called mind-body techniques can switch on and off some genes linked to stress and immune function.
While hundreds of studies have been conducted on the mental health benefits of yoga and meditation, they have tended to rely on blunt tools like participant questionnaires, as well as heart rate and blood pressure monitoring . Only recently have neuro-imaging and genomics technology used in Denninger's latest studies allowed scientists to measure physiological changes in greater detail.
"There is a true biological effect," said Denninger, director of research at the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, one of Harvard Medical School's teaching hospitals. "The kinds of things that happen when you meditate do have effects throughout the body, not just in the brain."
The government-funded study may persuade more doctors to try an alternative route for tackling the source of a myriad of modern ailments. Stress induced conditions can include everything from hypertension and infertility to depression and even the aging process. They account for 60 to 90% of doctor's visits in the US, according to the Benson-Henry Institute. The World Health Organization estimates stress costs US companies at least $300 billion a year through absenteeism, turn-over and low productivity.
Denninger's study, to conclude in 2015 with about $3.3 million in funding from the National Institutes of Health, tracks 210 healthy subjects with high levels of reported chronic stress for six months. Unlike earlier studies, this one is the first to focus on participants with high levels of stress. The study published in May in the medical journal PloS One showed that one session of relaxation-response practice was enough to enhance the expression of genes involved in energy metabolism and insulin secretion and reduce expression of genes linked to inflammatory response and stress. There was an effect even among novices who had never practiced before.
In a study published last year, scientists at the University of California at Los Angeles and Nobel Prize winner Elizabeth Blackburn found that 12 minutes of daily yoga meditation for eight weeks increased telomerase activity by 43 percent, suggesting an improvement in stress-induced aging.
Source : http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/26288574.cms?intenttarget=no
The first Padayatra annual festival was celebrated on 6th Dec at Danthalapally. Dist warangal.
on 5th 5.00pm we started Akanda Harinama sankirthana (24 hr).to give strength for success of festival.
on 6th all participants arrived from morning on wards.nearly more than 100 new people came those who are interacted by padayatra in different villages.Any how all together 250 people attend the evening function.
HH Bhakti Vikas Swami Maharaj arrived the village at 5.00pm. All devotees received him by Harinam.
the function concluded nicely by Maharaj message on Padayatra.
Maharaj instructed Padayatra team to continue this forever,inspire villagers and spread holy name every village and town.
View Photos : Click Here
