Personal spiritual journey that began in a nominally Methodist upbringing, passed through a brief period in Mormonism, and eventually led to the practice of Krishna consciousness after meeting early Hare Krishna devotees in Ohio in the late 1960s. Inspired by vegetarianism, yoga, and spiritual philosophy, the speaker wrote to Srila Prabhupada and received a defining reply: one need not abandon one’s existing faith but should learn to love God through chanting the Hare Krishna mantra and associat
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On February 4, 2026, the Governing Body Commission (GBC) formally inaugurated the ISKCON Constitution at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Mayapur. The event marked a milestone in the history of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) as GBC Chairman Govardhana Das offered a copy of the Constitution to His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the Founder-Ācārya of ISKCON.
History of the ISKCON Constitution
In October 2006, the GBC convened a special meeting
By Premanjana Das
The ISKCON India Communications Conference was successfully held from January 17-19, 2026, at ISKCON Mayapur, bringing together communication representatives from temples across India and neighbouring countries. The conference, hosted by the Communications Team at ISKCON Mayapur, served as a national platform for dialogue, capacity building, and strategic planning.
A total of 41 communication representatives from various zones and temples across India participated in the three
By Atma Tattva Das,
Harita Madhavi Devi Dasi is a Krishna-conscious practitioner who uses rap as a contemporary medium for devotional preaching. Appearing on stage in full devotional attire, she delivers mantra-infused verses that introduce audiences to the core teachings of bhakti-yoga through rhythm and rhyme. Based in Mayapur, her work reflects a growing effort within ISKCON to engage younger generations through culturally familiar forms while remaining rooted in traditional practice.
Read
Early 70s, the Hare Krishna Movement
North America enjoyed a great recruitment
We were a growing, glowing family
A blessed bunch existing happily
Prabhupada’s “boys and girls” flourished
Under his mercy we were nourished
The temple room was a divided place
Both genders occupied equal space
Both dhotis and saris were there at prayer
And basically duties were a joyful share
From puja to cooking, chanting, books, fundraising
The focus was Krishna receiving the praising
Source: https://www.dandavat
By Giriraj Swami
Today is Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Gosvami Prabhupada’s appearance day. We have heard about His Divine Grace already. Today is also the disappearance day of HH Gour Govinda Swami Maharaja. He left on Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura’s appearance day.
I remember the first time we celebrated Srila Bhaktisiddhanta’s appearance day. I was a new devotee in Boston temple in early 1970, and Srila Prabhupada instructed us how to observe the appearance day of the spiritual
1. We are put to test and trial in this world. Only those who attend the kirtana of the devotees can succeed.
2. Every spot on earth where discourses on God are held is a place of pilgrimage.
3. Possession of objects not related to Krsna is our main malady.
4. Let me not desire anything but the highest good for my worst enemies.
5. As dalliance with the body in luxury increases, so wanes the spirit of service of the Lord.
6. Those favored by God find their paths set by thorns.
7. There is no pe
1. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s instructions in Sikastakam, “param vijayate Sri-Krishna -Sankirtanam” is the only motto of the Gaudiya math.
2. The Supreme Personality of Godhead Sri Krishna is the only enjoyer. Everyone and everything else is the object of his enjoyment.
3. Anyone who does not serve Hari, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, is ignorant and a killer himself.
4. To learn to tolerate is one of the most important responsibilities of those living in the math.
5. Rupanuga devotees offe
Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, the guru of Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, appeared in Sri Ksetra Dhama.(Jagannatha Puri) on 6 February 1874 as the son of Srila Sacidananda Bhaktivinoda Thakura.
In his childhood he quickly mastered the Vedas, memorised the Bhagavad-gita, and relished his father’s philosophical works. He became known as “The Living Encyclopaedia” for his vast knowledge.
He preached convincingly against casteism and philosophical deviations from Gaudiya Vais
Birthplace of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura
at Sri Jagannatha Puri Dhama
By Chandan Yatra Das
Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura was a foremost scholar and Lord Krishna’s devotee of his day. Born on 6 Feb 1874 at Jagannatha Puri, Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura is the child that Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura prayed to Lord Jagannatha for, wanting an able assistant to preach Krishna Consciousness. His divinity was evident from birth. When he was born, his umbilical cord was wrapped
Sri Prahlada Dasa:
Today is the holy appearance day of our grandfather or great-grandfather spiritual master, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Gosvami Maharaja Prabhupada. On Giriraj Maharaja’s instruction, I will attempt to say something about Srila Bhaktisiddhanta’s history and share my realizations regarding his contribution and mood. I pray for the mercy of the Vaishnavas that this realization aligns with his authentic teachings.
The appearance of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati is most sign
By Madhavananda Das
From chapter 15 of When Good Fortune Arises
“I MAY LEAVE”
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Shortly after hearing his comments following the 1995 GBC meetings, a couple of disciples of Gour Govinda Maharaja approached their spiritual master: “Guru Maharaja, we don’t need these people. We can leave ISKCON and start our own society. You have so many disciples, it won’t be any problem.”
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Hearing their suggestion, Gour Govinda Swami became very grave. Shaking his head no, he said, “The only way I will leave I
“The twenty-third and twenty-fourth prominent devotees of Nityananda Prabhu were Sadasiva Kaviraja and his son Purusottama dasa, who was the tenth gopala. Since birth, Purusottama dasa was merged in the service of the lotus feet of Lord Nityananda Prabhu, and he was always engaged in childish play with Lord Krsna.” [C.C. Adi 11.8-39]
“Sri Sadasiva Kaviraja was extremely fortunate. His son’s name was Sri Purusottama das. He was never externally conscious of his material body. Nityananda Candra e
By Kulavati Krishnapriya Devi Dasi,
ISKCON Dumdum inaugurated its newly constructed temple on January 3, 2026, during Pushya Abhishek celebrations, marking a significant milestone in spreading Krishna consciousness across North Kolkata. The temple houses the newly installed deities of Sri Sri Dayal Nitai Gaura Sundar and serves the rapidly growing Dumdum–Motijheel area.
The grand opening was blessed by the online presence of Jayapataka Swami and Radhanath Swami, who performed the Pran Pratishtha
Nayan and I had booked rooms for ourselves in hotel next to the Suriname Airport to catch an early flight for Guyana. It was a bit shady to say the least – no mirrors (I had to share), the sink was plastic, and when I was showering, the toilet collapsed on the floor with water spilling out of the tank. The flight was delayed by hours. Once we got in the airport, no one could hear the announcements due to the poor acoustics. For a while, no water was running in the public washroom. What a circu
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Source: https://www.dandavats.com/?p=117240
Praghosa Dās, GBC for ISKCON UK & Ireland, together with Sukanti Rādhā Devī Dāsī, Temple of the Vedic Planetarium Coordinator for the UK, Ireland, and the European Union, recently paid a visit to the High Commission of India at India House. During the meeting, they met with Mr. Kartik Pande, Deputy High Commissioner, and Mr. Deepak Choudhary, Minister (Coordination).
The meeting was productive, focusing on collaboration and strengthening the relationship between ISKCON in the UK & Ireland and t
Hiking westbound beyond municipal lights on the road through jungle was risky, but Glen and I took that chance, but it was Shantipriya who had the idea to drive his van at walking pace with headlights on in case we would run into predators. It was the first time in my marathon walking years (which is 30 this year) that I had my support guy right behind me. During this period, the rain came. Glen and I pulled out our umbrellas and undeterred, forged ahead. We made it to a landmark, the Saramacca
Our false ego prevents us from looking at our own faults. It makes it difficult for us to acknowledge our faults and therefore, instead of being introspective, we see those faults in others. Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur said, “Because I am myself honeycombed with faults, I see the faults of others”.
If you spot it, you have got it
In the realm of psychology it is said that if something about someone really bothers you, it’s usually because you have that fault. Of course, we usually do
A global online gathering of ISKCON leaders and devotees presenting results of the 2025–2026 “Live to Give” book distribution campaign, centered on spreading Bhagavad Gita As It Is worldwide in the spirit of Srila Prabhupada’s mission.
After opening chants and greetings, regional representatives shared reports:
Africa: 10 countries participated, distributing 15,189 Bhagavad Gitas, showing strong growth and inspiration across the continent.
Continental Europe: A total of 37,485 Gitas, led by Fran