Are birthdays important to celebrate in ashrams or monasteries? Some people might argue, “What is the use in honouring the body which is not our true identity and which is destined to die? The body is a mere bag of chemicals.” Of course, some folks in today’s world give glory to drugs and chemicals. Let’s have a party!
One thing to consider is that those who have given quality time in service to the Lord through the channel of the body, where it is not just perceived as a machine, but an
Although narcissism is a broad subject, it is marked by an exaggerated self-importance and perceived superiority, abnormal levels of selfishness and entitlement, and extreme self-centeredness. Generally speaking, a narcissist is a person who thinks too highly of themselves and continuously feeds on the egotistic admiration from others, typically rooted in unresolved and exaggerated feelings of inferiority and shame. As a result, they often manipulate and exploit others to fuel their delusions
(FFLUA) is providing vital daily meals to thousands of vulnerable Ukrainians in Kyiv and other cities, offering not only sustenance but also hope and support. FFLUA distributes freshly cooked prasadam meals to around 3,000 people weekly across multiple locations in Kyiv, and has distributed over 5 million plates since 2022. The initiative focuses on providing hot meals to those most affected by the war, including individuals who have lost their homes or lack sufficient income.
Volunteers offe
From March 29th to April 1st, 2025, 70 enthusiastic youth and 20 senior devotees from ISKCON KualaLumpur,gathered for an unforgettable journey into not only the heart of nature—but also the soul.
Held at the Gopeng Rainforest Resort, nestled deep in the rural beauty of Perak, Malaysia, this year’s retreat, themed “Coming Back,” invited participants to disconnect from the noise of modern life and reconnect with Krishna, community, and their inner selves.
Organized by ISKCON Kuala Lumpur Youth D
The churches are kind to us. In Kitchener, devotees of Krishna meet weekly at the lower level of the Grand River Unitarian Church for sangha. Sangha basically means spiritual gathering. Here we celebrated Gaura Purnima as we had done at St. Andrew’s in Peterborough yesterday. The community organized themselves well and they included a short drama skit that which is always a treat. It goes to show that some homework has been done – gathering information from the scriptures to pull out deta
Lord Caitanya then inquired: What is the most profitable thing in the world, the essence of all auspicious events? Ramananda Raya replied that there is nothing as profitable as the association of pure devotees.” (Teachings of Lord Caitanya, Page 341)
When did I meet Srila Prabhupada? The year Srila Prabhupada arrived in Butler, Pa. (Sept. 1965). Is it possible I was visiting my Grandparents in Butler? Did I happen to catch a glimpse of Srila Prabhupada? Or the following summer, at the age of 1
From March 29th to April 1st, 2025, 70 enthusiastic youth and 20 senior devotees from ISKCON KualaLumpur,gathered for an unforgettable journey into not only the heart of nature—but also the soul.
Held at the Gopeng Rainforest Resort, nestled deep in the rural beauty of Perak, Malaysia, this year’s retreat, themed “Coming Back,” invited participants to disconnect from the noise of modern life and reconnect with Krishna, community, and their inner selves.
Organized by ISKCON Kuala Lumpur Youth D
The TOVP Fundraising Team is pleased to announce the upcoming TOVP Marathon 2025 Euro Tour from April 10 – May 13. Led by Lord Nityananda’s Padukas and Lord Nrsimha’s Satari, the team consisting of Jananivas, Praghosa, Braja Vilasa and UK/Euro Coordinator Sukanti Radha prabhus will be visiting multiple locations in ten countries to increase awareness and fundraise for the completion of the project.
According to Braja Vilasa, “This monumental project is opening at the end of 2026, and the celeb
When smoke started seeping through the dashboard, it was time to pull over, stop the vehicle, and get the hell out, driver and passengers. It’s the logical thing to do if you want to live a little longer.
We were on Highway 35 on our way to a Gaura Purnima festival. Our destination was the chapel at St. Andrew’s United Church in downtown Peterborough. The hiccup came when Nityananda’s engine overheated. Jai and I were Ubered from there. Nityananda and Venkatesh headed back to Toronto
HH Janananda das Goswami is a beloved and respected figure in the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). Known for his deep devotion, uplifting kirtans, and tireless service, he’s inspired thousands around the world. From his early days as a sincere devotee to becoming a revered spiritual teacher and sannyasi, his life is a beautiful journey of spiritual growth and unwavering dedication. Whether he’s leading joyful harinam processions or encouraging book distribution, Goswam
Riktananda Dasa (center in red sweater) helping to pull the cart with Srila Prabhupada at 1975 San Francisco Rathayatra.
Just before noon on April 3, 2025, Riktananda Dasa Adhikari (Richard W. Arthur), a most dear disciple of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, departed this world for Goloka Vrindavan.
After breaking his spine and hospitalization, Riktananda Dasa decided for himself to forgo any rehab or treatment and leave his body. For over a month, he ate nothing but small
Janananda Goswami, along with devotees from around Luzon Island, Philippines, for Maha Harinam in Manila.
On March 9, 2025, the heart of Manila pulsed with the sounds of kirtan as devotees gathered for a Maha Harinam at Rizal Park. Led by Janananda Goswami, the event brought together devotees from different parts of the Philippines in a powerful display of unity and spiritual enthusiasm.
For Mahendra Das, Temple President of ISKCON Manila, the initiative extended beyond routine gatherings. “We
We just began chanting with Gabriel on guitar at busy Dundas Square on the corner of Yonge. The security was stern, uncompromising in nature, but I felt I’d cooperate.
“Where can we go, then?” I asked.
“See that line?” he asked, pointing to a spot in the cemented sidewalk. “That public area.”
Okay, so we shifted. There were three of us at that time. Then another four devotees from Bhakti Academy showed up. Two drums came. Then another installment of chanters manifest with
ISKCON Myanmar National Council expresses deep concern over the continuous seismic activity affecting Mandalay and nearby regions. The series of small earthquakes, though mild on the Richter scale, has caused significant structural damage to ISKCON temples and properties. The tremors continue to pose a serious threat, with reports indicating a high risk of further deterioration or even collapse if the situation persists.
According to reports from our temple leadership and ground teams, these
The Institute for Science and Spirituality (ISS), a scientific research wing of ISKCON East of Kailash, Delhi, has taken a significant step toward bridging the gap between science and spirituality with the launch of its new podcast, QUEST Samvada. Founded in 2011 and inspired by Gopal Krishna Goswami, ISS has been dedicated to exploring the intersection of scientific inquiry and spiritual wisdom.
QUEST stands for “Questioning the Universe with Exploratory Science and Spiritual Thought.” The po
On this most auspicious day of Sri Ram Navami, the appearance day of Lord Ramachandra, we send you our heartfelt blessings and warm greetings from Sri Mayapur Dham.
Here in Mayapur, the celebration began early with a blissful Darshan Arati of Lord Ramachandra, where devotees beheld His divine form, beautifully decorated and glowing with love. During Srimad Bhagavatam class, we heard about His glorious leelas, including the story of how He crossed the ocean to rescue Mother Sita – a perfect ex
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‘Lord Rama (BG 4.10)’ by Radhanath Swami
janma karma ca me divyam
evam yo vetti tattvatah
tyaktva deham punar janma
naiti mam eti so ‘rjuna
(BG 4.9)
One who knows the transcendental nature of My appearance and activities does not, upon leaving the body, take his birth again in this material world, but attains My eternal abode, O Arjuna.
PURPORT
The Lord’s descent from His transcendental abode is already explained in the 6th verse. One who can understand the truth of the appearance of the Perso
Jack Boken, known as Happy Jack, is a yoga teacher, speaker, and spiritual guide whose journey from addiction to devotion has inspired thousands. Through Happy Jack Yoga, he has built a global community focused on healing, connection, and yoga practice. His path has been one of continuous transformation, from temple life to the halls of Harvard, leading to a deep engagement with Bhakti philosophy and some of its leading practitioners. Now, as he nears graduation, he continues to bridge yoga, a
