Nestled amidst the serene landscapes of Alachua, Florida, the New Raman Reti community stands as a vibrant testament to the enduring legacy of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). Established in 1977, this 127-acre spiritual haven has evolved into North America’s largest Hare Krishna community, blending ancient Vedic traditions with innovative sustainability practices. Through daily worship, educational programs, eco-conscious initiatives, and a deeply interconnected res
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Prime Minister Starmer (far right) with Visakha Dasi in background with other leaders.
Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister of the UK, invited faith leaders from different traditions to join him for breakfast on Thursday, November 14th.
Visakha Dasi, representing ISKCON Bhaktivedanta Manor, was pleased to hear Mr Starmer emphasize the importance of faith to the fabric of UK society. “That was especially evident,” Mr Starmer said, “during the pandemic when great numbers of people turned to plac
Bhaktimarga Swami and leaders of Zone 1 cut a cake to honor the event.
The 2024 Zone 1 Leadership Conference, held from November 8th to 10th in Edmonton, Alberta, brought together over 60 leaders from more than 25 ISKCON centers across Canada and six northern U.S. states. Under the theme “Think Big, Do Big, Act Small,” the conference focused on a shared vision for ISKCON’s growth and mission, guided by Srila Prabhupada’s principles and the spirit of Krishna Consciousness.
Inspired by Bhaktimar
One of the first things I do when I come to a new place to reside for a few days is to get around and get to know the neighborhood and establish a good walking route for myself. I ask myself, “Where are the green and quiet spots for God? Solitude? I've been coming for years to Winnipeg, but the current location of the new temple is unknown to me. That's okay. It's part of the adventure. Let's explore.
Catching the horizonal sun beckons two things. One – it enthuses the chanting of the m
Nitai (center holding the certificate), celebrates the win with his team.
The Raytheon Autonomous Vehicle Competition is one of the most prestigious events in the technical sector, bringing together top engineering talent from across the southern U.S. Universities from Alabama to El Paso sent their brightest senior students to compete in this high-stakes event, where innovation and precision are key.
For Nitai, a 20-year-old bhakti practitioner, leading his 16-member team from the University o
The Birmingham 24-Hour Kirtan returns for its 26th year on Saturday, 3rd, and Sunday, May 4th, 2025, at The New Bingley Hall, Birmingham, UK, inviting devotees and spiritual seekers to immerse themselves in the chanting of the holy names of Lord Krsna.
Inspired by kirtan pioneers Aindra Das and Tribhuvannatha Das, this landmark event will feature renowned kirtaniyas including Candramauli Swami, Dayananda Swami, Amala Harinama Das, Saci Suta Das, Smita Krsna Das, Sharad Bihari Das, Kishor Gopal
Glories of Varuthini Ekadashi
As narrated by Lord Krishna in the Padma Purana to Maharaja Yudhishthira
Maharaja Yudhishthira once humbly inquired from Lord Krishna:
"O Janardana, please describe to me the merits of the Ekadashi that falls in the dark fortnight of the month of Vaishakha (April–May). What is its name, and what benefits does one receive by observing it?"
Lord Sri Krishna replied:
O King! Varuthini Ekadashi is extremely auspicious, rare, and purifying. Fasting on this day destroys
The weather was the worst kind, with a wind, rain, slush, and cold, all a good reason to stay back. I came upon a poem of the past. Here it is:
IN THE COURSE OF A DAY
the morning
I heard a pandit speaking, highlighting dying
Then received a call of a sick man in bed lying
How many days in life can we actually count?
How much karma can one person mount
Before he moves on to the greener field
After the gloom-ridden body can be finally peeled?
by afternoon
Recently, Hare Krishna Valley in Victoria, Australia, joyfully celebrated their annual Boat Festival with around 400 guests, including special guest, Jahnavi Harrison. “The Deities of Radha and Krishna looked stunning as They glided across the spring in a beautifully decorated boat, accompanied by the heartfelt singing of devotees gathered along the banks, said Keshava Dasa, Krishna Valley’s manager, “After the boat ride, we continued in a lively procession up the hill, where everyone enjoyed
Today is Earth Day, and I think of a prayer that resonated with me in my youth. “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. For He has founded it on the seas, and established it on the floods. Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord, or who shall stand in His holy place? He that has clean hands, and a pure heart; who has not lifted up his soul to vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the Lord.” (Psalm 24:1–5)
Later,
It happens on occasion that someone enters the temple with good intent, but they are either not so stable, are on drugs, or both. This morning, we were blessed by the presence of someone like that.
A fellow came to the door, introduced himself and asked if he could sit down. His dress was casual, and to my dull recollection, he might have worn a poncho. He plopped himself down on the floor and pulled out of his long bag a number of stones – amethyst and crystals, and began praying or med
Last Saturday, April 12th, the St. Augustine Rathayatra filled the downtown streets with melodious kirtan and a joyous atmosphere. During the procession, the beautifully decorated chariot carrying Lord Jagannath, Baladeva, and Subhadra was accompanied by the Hare Krsna mantra, graceful youth dancers, and colorful flags and flowers calling the attention of the spectators who lined the route.
After the parade, the festivities continued with more chanting and the distribution of sumptuous prasada
As part of the recent Golden Jubilee celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the Krishna Balaram Mandir, ISKCON Vrindavan shared the initial details about the new Devotee Care Project, an initiative aimed at supporting senior devotees who have spent their lives in service to Srila Prabhupada’s mission. The announcement was made by Panchagauda Das, Temple President of the Sri Krishna Balaram Mandir, who reflected on the decades of sacrifice and growth within the Vrindavan temple community.
Many of us, regardless of where we come from, believe the world is being crushed by evil forces. What is left of morality appears to be crumbling. Respect for each other is waning, and an overall great burden of hate is escalating. I just heard that Cuba had undergone an earthquake. There is lots of devastation. I hope that in the aftermath people are safe, including those devoted to Krishna. I am trying to contact someone over there to give a report. In the meantime, I'm asking for prayers.
On April 12th-13th, 2025, a historic moment unfolded in the sacred land of Birnagar, as thousands of devotees gathered to witness the laying of the foundation stone for a temple dedicated to Srīla Bhaktivinoda Thakura. Led by Jayapataka Swami, it marked the beginning of a long-awaited project that seeks to glorify one of the greatest acaryas in the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition.
This monumental initiative is being undertaken by the Bhaktivedanta Swami Charity Trust, an organization established t
Hari Rasa Pandita Devi Dasi, also known as Priti Wright, has spent her life navigating two very different worlds: the path of spiritual devotion laid before her from birth and the call of the mountains, where she pushes the limits of human endurance. Through Alpine Vagabonds, the project she shares with her husband, Jeff Wright, she documents these high-altitude journeys, carrying her faith to the summits of some of the world’s most demanding peaks.
Born into a family of Srila Prabhupada’s dis
STEPPING ENCOUNTERS
If I hit twenty thousand on my pedometre
It doesn’t register in kilometres
But in steps taken, causing me to boast
For a walker, such figures count the most
They start at zero, go to tens, hundreds, thousands
Not numbers for any dastardly cowards
It is what you do with the steps that matter
And in their wake, the stories you gather
I met a courageous woman on a marathon
Calling it “Get off your butt-athon”
I was humoured by h
Hari Rasa Pandita Devi Dasi, also known as Priti Wright, has spent her life navigating two very different worlds: the path of spiritual devotion laid before her from birth and the call of the mountains, where she pushes the limits of human endurance. Through Alpine Vagabonds, the project she shares with her husband, Jeff Wright, she documents these high-altitude journeys, carrying her faith to the summits of some of the world’s most demanding peaks.
Born into a family of Srila Prabhupada’s dis
ISKCON Halifax devotees gathered outside the newly acquired property.
ISKCON Halifax, Nova Scotia, has moved from dormancy to dynamism over the last seven years through committed leadership, spectacular public festivals, and engaging Sunday programs. With this explosive growth, the community has now acquired Atlantic Canada’s first temple, which is 7,700 square feet in size and sits on nine serene acres.
History of ISKCON Halifax
From 2007 to 2010, under the shelter of Bhaktimarga Swami, ISKCO
Pradeep and I had a little time to kill before the kirtan gathering at Soham Yoga Studio. We ventured off to Locke St., the hip part of town, a place for cannabis shops, salons, spas, boutiques, and bars. Pradeep remarked that people here haven't seen too many monks. They take a second look.
It was on Locke that we met Pat, a sweet middle-aged woman who upon seeing Pradeep and I, decided to follow us to the yoga studio. It was her first time to the kirtan. It was also Pradeep's first. Ap
