It came quite spontaneously. Vascapati, a U of T student, called me up for a break from his studies. I asked him if he wanted to go for a walk. After all, the sun was shining, temperature was 14ºC. “Let’s take the trail where I started my long-distance training for walking,” I suggested. He had the time. So, we left for the path that was ours and so many others’. We were not the only ones with the idea of a version of escapism.
Traces of Halloween were still in the residential atmosph
I received an email from someone who wanted to hear about my struggles as a devotee and how I have gotten through them, since he finds himself struggling with his chanting and feeling allured by the material world. Though I think most of the readers here are seasoned devotees, I thought I would share this in the hope that someone might find it useful, even though these are basic understandings.
Any physical life is a long journey, and so is cultivating a life of devotion. Lord Chaitanya has com
By Atma Tattva Das
Devotion and drive have shaped Gauranga Das’s commitment in the classroom and success in the boxing ring. His professional journey has also included a broad range of experiences serving others, each contributing to his development as a person and a devotee.
A central pillar in Gauranga’s life is his deep devotion to Lord Rama, who is the embodiment of virtues such as righteousness, courage, and compassion. “My faith in Lord Rama inspires me every day,” he shared, explaining ho
While some may think that building the TOVP is just building another temple, this is far from the truth. In reality, it is the greatest act of compassion uponWhile some may think that building the TOVP is just building another temple, this is far from the truth. In reality, it is the greatest act of compassion upon
Building the TOVP – The Supreme Act of Compassion – Temple of the Vedic Planetarium
Source: https://www.dandavats.com/?p=116572
By Partha Sarathi Das Goswami
Gokulendra Prabhu, also known as Greg, met Ksudhi Prabhu either in 1972 or 1973. At that time, he was a student at Rhodes University, which was then one of the most prestigious universities in South Africa. Greg would finish his lectures on a Friday night and would hitchhike all the way from Grahamstown to our centre in Cape Town. Jagat Guru Maharaja and Pusta Krishna Maharaja were cultivating him. He would stay over on Saturday nights, and after the Sunday feast, h
By Kulavati Krishnapriya Devi Dasi
For the first time, Mahatma Das will be teaching The Art of Forgiveness in a live online format, making the program accessible to devotees worldwide. The course, which has previously been offered in person, presents a systematic approach to one of the most challenging aspects of spiritual life: the practice of forgiveness.
The program is structured as a 19-step, hands-on process based on Vaisnava wisdom and philosophy. Rather than treating forgiveness as a sing
In an exciting moment for the global kirtan community, devotional artist Jahnavi Harrison (Jahnavi Jivana Dasi) has been nominated for a 2026 Grammy Award for her latest album, Into the Forest. The Recording Academy announced the nominations earlier today, placing Harrison among the final contenders for Best New Age, Ambient or Chant Album at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards.
Earlier today, Harrison shared her heartfelt reaction in a post to her Facebook community, writing: “WOW. Into the Forest ha
I was invited to visit the Sri Sri Radha Madhava temple in Manila. It is still in the old temple building I visited years ago but the temple will move to a new property in about 3 months. I was fortunate to go and have a look and it is certainly a big upgrade.
While there, a harinama was organized for a downtown area. Manila is a mega city of 15 or 20 million and there are 17 smaller cities within it. The kirtan started with a sit down in a park where I gave a lecture and then we headed through
In preparation for an upcoming leaders’ meeting, I have compiled a poem on the topic. Here it is:
THE ABCs of SERVANT LEADER
The ideal good leader
Is never a browbeater
But who empowers, encourages
Sees that everything flourishes
A servant leader is ACCESSIBLE
Being present a
By Prabhavati Gopi Devi Dasi
The Vrindavan Institute for Higher Education (VIHE) has released its upcoming schedule of winter courses and seminars for 2025–2026, inviting devotees from around the world to strengthen their study of śāstra and deepen their devotional practice. The institute’s blended online and onsite offerings aim to support systematic learning and help devotees apply scriptural teachings in daily life.
Read more: https://iskconnews.org/vihe-opens-registration-for-2025-26-wint
I began my service with the Mail Order Department in September of 1969 and although two and a half years had gone by since that ad not much had changed nor was there much growth. The address had changed from 26 Second Avenue to 61 Second Avenue and two more books, Teachings of Lord Chaitanya and the abridged edition of Bhagavad-gita had become available.
The fledgling order dept. operated out of the “office” on East 10th Street where Brahmananda and previously Rayarama had worked. The very fir
The preeminent philosopher in Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s line explains why, in this age, the Puranas are essential for accessing the Absolute Truth.
Sri Tattva-sandarbha is the first of Srila Jiva Gosvami’s Bhagavatasandarbha, or saṭ-sandarbha, six treatises that firmly establish the philosophy of Gaudiya Vaisnavism. In the texts leading up to this section, the author has discredited direct perception and inference as valid means to acquiring perfect knowledge. He has concluded that only the eternal
“Srila Rupa Gosvami, after consulting various scriptures, has enumerated the transcendental qualities of the Lord as follows: (1) beautiful features of the entire body: (2) marked with all auspicious characteristics; (3) extremely pleasing: (4) effulgent; (5) strong; (6) ever-youthful; (7) wonderful linguist; (8) truthful; (9) talks pleasingly; (10) fluent; (11) highly learned: (12) highly intelligent; (13) a genius; (14) artistic; (15) extremely clever; (16) expert; (17) grateful; (18) firmly
In Brihad-Bhagavatamrita, Sanatana Goswami beautifully narrates the journey of a soul to the kingdom of God. Gopa Kumara is that fortunate soul who decides to go back to the kingdom of God, Goloka Vrindavan.
In this world we are on a never-ending journey. We have been wandering in this material world away from God for an uncountable number of years.
Sometimes we travel to the upper planetary systems to enjoy good karma. Sometimes we are compelled to go to the lower planetary systems to suffer b
In a significant milestone for the Sri Mayapur Community Hospital project, Mr. Chandrashekar Ghosh, Founder of Bandhan Group, Kolkata, recently made a generous contribution of ₹12 crores (approximately USD 1.35 million) towards completing the hospital building. The ceremonial presentation of the donation took place on October 19, coinciding with the auspicious month of Kartik. The event was organized under the meticulous supervision of Krishna Vijay Das, General Manager, and Prema Avatar Das, Ho
By Bhava Bhakti Devi Dasi
A piece of ISKCON’s history continues to be lovingly restored in New York City. The ongoing renovation of the original 26 2nd Avenue temple— known as Matchless Gifts — has already transformed this modest Bowery storefront into a living museum that recreates the atmosphere of 1966, when Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada first gathered his early followers to chant the Hare Krishna mantra. Spearheaded by Radhanath Swami and a dedicated team of devotees, the multi-
It was ten years ago that I began my US walk starting from Boston in New England. By the time I reached Middle Atlantic in Pennsylvania, it was Halloween time. Homeowners had really spruced up their properties with all kinds of ghoulish décor. I recall walking by a countryside home where the place was elaborately done up. A man from the UK travelling for business stopped to see the spectacle and remarked, “Boy, here everyone really gets into it,” meaning in Europe the event is rather toned
FIRST CONTACT WITH THE HOLY SOUND
My life took an apical turn when I stumbled across the Hare Krishnas. Being born in India I had some knowledge of “Krishna” but I was like most Indians are – conscious of Krishna but not Krishna Conscious. Being just “conscious of Krishna” didn’t mollify my thirst for happiness. When I was introduced to the programs conducted by the Hare Krishnas near our college campus new hope dawned upon me. What mesmerized me the most in these programs was the chanting of t
One way many people came in contact with the Hare Krishna movement was through college programmes. From the early days of ISKCON devotees have been presenting the Vedic philosophy to students at universities around the world. Srila Prabhupada was very happy to receive reports from such events.
In this film we hear from devotees who attended lectures and kirtan at universities in Philadelphia. It is always nice to film devotees and hear the stories and thoughts about how they came to the sankirta
