By Prishni Sutton
The Richard L. Thompson (Sadaputa) Archives Reading Group would like to announce the beginning of its study program on the Mysteries of the Sacred Universe (2000). This work has been described as Thompson’s “postgraduate” analysis of his pioneering book Vedic Cosmography and Astronomy, published by the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust in 1990.
Dr. Subash Kak of Louisiana State University said of the book, “Thompson presents a compelling case showing that this Puranic cosmology was in
ISKCON Los Angeles – New Dvaraka held its 48th Annual Rathayatra (Festival of Chariots) procession on Sunday, August 4th. The popular festival parade was preceded by inaugural celebrations and a Saturday Kirtan Mela held at the New Dvaraka Temple.
Devotees from LA County, California, the US, and countries from around the world gather to volunteer and participate in the event, joyfully pulling the deities of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra along the two-hour route. “This Rathayatra was
On the blessed final day of the sacred Shravan month, ISKCON Mayapur was honored with the divine arrival of Lord Shiva in His Hamsa Vahana form. This event was graced by the blessings of His Holiness Jayapataka Swami Maharaj, and made possible through the dedicated efforts of Mayapur co-directors HG Tapan Mishra Das and HG Subekshana Das. The occasion was particularly special, marking the end of the Shravan month revered across India for
I entered the elevator from floor 7 at the Ramada Inn. Down one floor it stopped to catch a couple on the descent. The door closed. We greeted each other.
“Are you travelling or are you from town ?” I asked.
“I am,” she answered, “he’s not”.
The elevator took us to Floor 2 when a women stood there and asked,”Going down?”
“Yes, morally we’re all going down.” The other three occupants couldn’t agree more. The woman from Floor 2 added, "The world is a soul sucker.” I never heard that phra
Today we are celebrating the beginning of Jhulana-yatra, which is steeped in the moods of Vrindavan. When I first began reading Srila Prabhupada’s books, I was struck by the following description in the introduction to Teachings of Lord Chaitanya: “Actually, Vrindaban is as good as the Spiritual Vrindaban, and therefore Krishna Das Kaviraj Goswami says that underneath one of the desire trees of Vrindaban there is a nice throne decorated with valuable jewels on which Radharani and Krishna are se
The Jhulan Festival is celebrated in the month of Shravana (August), from the eleventh day of the bright fortnight (Ekadashi) to the full-moon day (Purnima). This festival is celebrated to commemorate the childhood pastimes of Sri Krishna with His friends, the young cowherd boys, and girls, swinging underneath the trees.
Every day the Deities of Sri Radha Madhava are adorned with various jewelleries and gently swayed on a swing decorated profusely with flowers. The main temple hall is decorate
1. Sri Krishna Janmasthana
2. Sri Lal Varaha and 3. Sri Sveta Varaha Temples
(Useful information: Sveta Varaha temple can be reached by taking the left-side lane just besides the famous Dvarakadisa temple towards the Manik Chowk. At the chowk there is a signboard for the temple. Along the same street, on top of the hill is the Sri Lal Varaha Temple.)
4. Sri Kaliya Mardana, Sri
By Govind Priya Devi Dasi
Vaishnavi Ministry North America is announcing a special call to all Vaishnavis, “We are thrilled to resume the collection for the special ‘Book of Talent’ dedicated to celebrating and connecting the wonderful Vaishnavis of our society,” said Govind Priya Devi Dasi, Vaishnavi Minister for North America.
She continued, “This initiative is designed to help us recognize and appreciate the diverse talents, skills, and passions that each of you bring. Whether you are an ar
I woke up to a dreary day, such is, what window revealed from Room 747 at the Ramada Inn. “Dreary” meaning windy, overcast, cool and the threat of wet. Vallabha, Mahadev, Annapurna and I were compelled to walk through some of this. To Mount Pleasant Park, we journeyed on foot. Around the same time something appearing on my phone screen was something shared by Yogendra from Lunenburg, a way over from the east coast. It is a shloka or verse from the Panca Tantra on the subject of “friends”.
He
By Kulavati Krishnapriya Devi Dasi
Chant Now, an initiative of ISKCON Online, is expanding its reach with innovative digital strategies designed to spread Krishna consciousness worldwide. Recently, we interviewed Vrajendra Kumar Das, who is in charge of the Spanish edition of Chant Now. He shared insights about some significant activities of the Chant Now program.
“We have begun by promoting a webinar called ‘The 5 Steps of Spiritual Awakening’ through Facebook,” he said. “Every month, this att
I don’t believe that blue jays serenade. Their sound is rather irritating, however, the group of four flying and perhaps flirting about do look good. They are showing a sign of life with their friskiness amidst those cedar trees. I wonder what they think of us humans moving on, more or less in a sidewalk’s straight line. My four companions and I were destined for Red River, just a good spot for chanting some japa at a bench.
I had wondered why the great mystic, Krishna, had me invest a day in W
By Bhurijan Das
How is it possible to understand the mood of separation of the Brijbasis without the equivalent amount of love for Krsna. Of course, it is not possible.
Here are some mundane poems about love in separation. Rupa Gosvami heard one such mundane love poem recited in Ratha-yatra by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and composed a parallel poem expressing Lord Gauranga’s mood.
This one is especially similar to Siksastaka: ~love considers hours – months, and days – years~
To die and part is les
A lady came near my table. She seemed shy at first, but when I was done speaking with someone else, she walked up and took three Russian books. Her name was Camilla, she was from Russia, and although she spoke perfect English, she naturally preferred her native Russian. When she asked about the best way to meditate, I told her mantra meditation. She took books and beads and was on her way to catch a flight back to her home in Florida. In case she had any questions, I gave her Dvijamani Prabhu’
Statement from the Executive Committee of the ISKCON Governing Body Commission
August 11, 2024
Dear ISKCON Devotees,
Please accept our humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
We write regarding the current situation in Bangladesh. Most of you are aware of the current political and social unrest in Bangladesh. The Prime Minister has resigned and fled the country. An interim government has been formed, and they hope to hold national elections within three to six months to form a new
By Syam Gopal Das
The ISKCON Ministry of Education is delighted to announce this year’s “Books Are The Basis” week. This global celebration will be held from September 18th to 24th to commemorate the significance of Srila Prabhupada’s arrival in America.
In the spring of 2020, the GBC Body passed a resolution encouraging all ISKCON centres to emphasize the importance of reading Srila Prabhupada’s books during this week. We invite all temples and communities worldwide to highlight the value of r
Some trouble with the airlines. Numerous hours were spent in the airport. I chose a poem from my second book, "The Walking Monk : Poems. 1” (available on AMAZON) that in part, reflected my mood.
You’re In
Dull time did pass - no break
Something that seemed so hard to break
When out out the window a pathetic gloom
A day of utter drizzle doom
Not even a steamy herbal teacup
Could pull the entire spirit up
For a grey day veil did suspend there
Endorsing a world that’s so unfair
Lord Balarama carries the plough and Lord Krsna carries a flute. It is said that Balarama is ploughing the field of the heart and in that way, He is preparing the heart so that the seeds of bhakti can be planted. It is through a service attitude that the heart can be prepared. By following in the footsteps of Balarama, in the mood of service, one becomes eligible to receive the mercy of Krsna. In the seventh canto of Srimad Bhagavatam, it is explained that Balarama prepares the heart and then A
In February 1971, in Gorakhpur, India, Srila Prabhupada received the issue of Back to Godhead with my article “The Genuine Spiritual Master” and called for me. “I saw your article in Back to Godhead,” he said. “It was very nice. You should write. This is your first business. Go on writing. We require many, many articles about Krishna consciousness. So you should devote yourself to writing.” I have taken Srila Prabhupada’s instruction to me to heart. And that article, “The Genuine Spiritual Mast
By Kulavati Krishnapriya Devi Dasi
The Srila Prabhupada International Heritage Museum, under the guidance of TOVP Chairman Ambarisa Das and Svaha Dasi, will be constructed in three phases. The first phase will cover 1,000 square feet and will open on February 18, 2025, during the International Leadership Sanga (ILS). The second phase will expand to 6,000 square feet, and the third will reach 21,000 square feet. In preparation for the opening, devotees are invited to contribute personal effects
By Kulavati Krishnapriya Devi Dasi
The Prabhupada Network Team, under the leadership of Janmastami Dasa, successfully organized three Srila Prabhupada Connect Day events from July 27-28, 2024 in Sri Mayapur Dham. The events were designed to commemorate the 58th anniversary of ISKCON’s incorporation, highlight ISKCON’s transcendentally conceived seven purposes, and strengthen the community’s connection with Srila Prabhupada as our Founder-Acarya.
The program started with Jivanath Dasa’s and the
